Pediatric Dentistry Infant Oral Health Program
Why Your Child Should See Dr. Janna
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of his/her 1st tooth. Early examination and preventative care will protect your child's smile now and in the future. At this visit, you will hold your child in your lap and Dr. Janna will examine the mouth to make sure the teeth and gums are developing normally. We will discuss proper hygiene, fluoride supplementation, healthy diet, finger or pacifier habits, and dental trauma. This visit establishes a "dental home" for your child.
Dr. Janna understands children. She is first a mother and then a dentist. She loves what she does and is very enthusiastic. Unlike in most other offices, Dr. Janna spends the entire visit with you and your child.
Your Child's First Visit
What can you do before your child's visit?
The less "to do" about the visit, the better. Have confidence 
that your child will do wonderfully and have a great time.
Be Positive! Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. One way to convey good feelings to your child about dental visits is to remind them that going to the dentist is a sign that they are growing up. You can explain that Dr. Janna will count and take pictures of his/her teeth. A helpful book to read before the 1st visit is "Dora goes to the Dentist".
Please do not tell your child that the "dentist will hurt" as this thought may never have entered his/her mind. Instead, you may wish to assure your child that Dr. Janna will be gentle and friendly. Also, please avoid using the words needle, shot, pull, or any other words suggesting scary feelings. Please stay positive!!
During the Appointment
Dr. Janna also has a degree in psychology, which helps her to relieve the patient's anxiety through education, patience, listening, and trust. She utilizes tell-show-do. This allows non-threatening, child-directed exposure to all aspects of the dental visit. We will be sure to explain each of our procedures to children in terms they can understand before we perform them. Tell-show-do is a proven technique practiced and recommended by UNC-CH.
All of your time in the office is spent directly with Dr. Janna, including:
- A full exam and risk assessment
- A felt story board designed for child interaction
- Emphasis on prevention techniques like fluoride
- An education folder including info on trauma, eruption, and thumb sucking
- A picture of your child's first dental visit to take home
After the appointment
Following the appointment, your child must wait thirty minutes to eat or drink to allow the fluoride treatment enough time to be fully effective. Also, you will come home with recommendations, including specific techniques and valuable information to implement to give your child a beautiful, healthy smile.
