Midlothian Children's Dentistry

Growing Your Most
Important Smiles

SCHEDULE AN
APPOINTMENT

Midlothian VA Pediatric Dentist | Is Your Child Excited to Visit Us?

Getting your child to visit the dentist willingly is a difficult task that many parents face. Having your child be excited about a dental appointment is even more of a challenge. Here are tips to help your child feel excited about their next dental visit. 

Dental Education 

Use resources to educate your child about what takes place at a dental office. This is an effective way to set initial expectations. There are numerous resources available online that are designed to appeal to children while educating them about dentistry. Knowing what to expect can help your child feel at ease. We recommend not trying to trick your child into going to the dentist, but be honest and open about what they can expect. 

Find the Right Team 

Familiarity with a dentist can go a long way in getting your child excited about going to see them. Going to the office and meeting the staff and dentist prior to an appointment is a good way to increase your child’s comfort level. If your child is comfortable with our team members, we can help educate your child. We invite you to get to know our team before your next visit. 

Leading by Example 

Children learn by example and imitation. If your child sees you dreading the dentist, they can mimic your fear or stress. Set the right example for your child. Another way to do this involves expressing your excitement and how great your teeth look will look after a cleaning. 

Children may not always cooperate when going to the dentist, but these tips should help get them excited about their appointment. Being honest and letting your child know what to expect will help quell any fears they have, while leading by example can help get them excited.  

Contact our team to schedule your appointment today.

Midlothian Children’s Dentistry
Phone: 804-601-3139
305 Schofield Dr.
Midlothian, VA 23113

Dr. Shital Patel Named Top Dentist

Midlothian Pediatric Dentist Dr. Shital Patel has been named Top Dentist 2018 by Richmond Magazine.

Each year, Richmond Magazine reaches out to hundreds of dentists from the greater Richmond, VA area to ask who they believe are the top dentists in each area of specialty and focus. Dr. Patel was voted by her peers as a Top Dentist in 4 categories: Pediatric, Sedation, Hospital, and Instructional.

We hope that you will join our proud team at Midlothian Children’s Dentistry in congratulating Dr. Shital Patel for receiving this honor.

Pediatric Dentist 23113 | 7 Ways to Get Your Calcium Dairy-Free

Pediatric Dentist Near Me

Calcium is an important mineral for building strong, healthy teeth, but not everyone can tolerate the lactose found in dairy. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. About 65% of people have reduced ability to process lactose past infancy.

If you have difficulty with lactose but want to ensure you are getting the calcium you need, consider one of these non-dairy sources of natural calcium.

  1. Canned seafood, such as sardines and salmon, can be a good source of calcium. These inexpensive options actually contain more calcium than their fresh counterparts. Canned seafood contains small, soft, edible bones that are generally unnoticeable but can be a great way to add calcium to a salad or other dish.
  2. Calcium-fortified juices are available in both orange and cranberry varieties. These juices taste the same as non-fortified options, but contain a substantial amount of calcium. Check the label to ensure it is a calcium-fortified juice.
  3. Soy, rice, and almond milks offer added calcium and can be used as a milk substitute for many dishes. Experiment with different varieties to determine which flavor you like the most for each use. Try one of these milk alternatives on cereal or use in a cooked dish in place of regular milk. Soy, rice, and almond milks are available in a variety of flavors, including plain, sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and other options.
  4. Beans are a calcium-rich food. Black-eyed peas and baked beans are particularly high in calcium.
  5. Green vegetables are a good source of natural calcium. Collard, mustard, turnip, and dandelion greens, Chinese cabbage, spinach, kale, okra, and broccoli are all great choices for adding calcium to your diet.
  6. Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or Brazil nuts are strong sources of calcium. Flaxseeds and sunflower seeds are a great snack or salad additive with calcium. Almond butter, cashew butter, and pumpkin seed butter are a fun and calcium-rich alternative to peanut butter.
  7. Breakfast cereals are highly fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Old-fashioned rolled oatmeal adds calcium to your breakfast as well.

Calcium is important for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. If you have trouble with dairy, don’t let that stop you from consuming your recommended amount of daily calcium.

For more information that can improve your oral health, contact our office.

Midlothian Children’s Dentistry
305 Schofield Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 601-6232

Children’s Dentist Midlothian | Your Child’s Dental Filling Appointment

Midlothian, VA Kids Dentist

You never want to hear that your child has decay in one of their permanent teeth. If our team advises you that your child needs a dental filling, please remember that you and your child are in good hands.  Here are a few tips to help guide you through this process:

First, stay calm. When you deliver the news to your child that they will need a dental filling, stay calm and be confident. Just like the first shot from their pediatrician, your child may feel scared about their first filling. However, if you stay relaxed as you explain that this is a simple treatment to help keep their teeth healthy, your child will likely follow your lead.

Second, know this is a quick and comfortable treatment. If your child is experiencing anxiety, the use of sedation dentistry may be recommended to allow them to relax and stay still as the filling is placed.

Finally, consider sharing your own filling story, or that of another child. Let your child understand the process by discussing another’s experience with getting teeth filled. Knowing that their parent, sibling, or friend has experienced the same treatment with great results can be a major mental victory for many children.

For more recommendations on how to discuss dental fillings with your child, contact our team.

Kids Dentist Midlothian | Common Questions from Parents

Children’s Dentist Near Me

These are some of the most common questions we hear from parents, and the answers we provide:

When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist?

Our team recommends that you schedule an appointment for your child as soon as your baby’s first tooth develops. If your child does not have teeth by their first birthday, you should schedule an appointment so we can ensure their teeth are developing properly. You can help protect your child’s teeth by establishing a pattern of regular dental visits.

How is a pediatric dentist different from other dentists?

A pediatric dentist must complete additional education necessary to provide care to children. Pediatric dentists undergo two to three years of specialty training to treat the specific oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special needs.

What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist?

At your child’s first visit, you should expect to:

  •      Review your child’s history
  •      Respond to questions and concerns
  •      Bring any questions you would like answered
  •      Have your child’s mouth examined and cleaned
  •      Have our team help set your child at ease and make their visit fun

For other questions, please call our office. We’re here for you and your child.

Kids Dentist Midlothian | Make Your Child Smile at the Dentist

It’s always important to have fun with our children. New experiences, new people and new surroundings can seem overwhelming to little ones. Read on for ways to make a trip to the dentist fun for your child and for you!

  1. Explain the Profession

Treat each experience at our office as a chance to educate your child. Look for way to discuss how different adults have different professions. Explain to your child that a dentist is a doctor, who treats and cares for teeth. Watch your child’s initial fear of the unknown transform into curiosity.

  1. Explain Why

Children as young as 3 can value an explanation. Whether imparting the importance of sunscreen or a winter jacket, children often understand far more than most realize. Explain the importance of visits to the dentist as well as daily brushing and flossing. This will help them to enjoy their visits as they understand the role we play in their healthy body and smile.

  1. Make the Visit Fun

Our dental team will always greet you and your child with a smile. We understand the importance of making each appointment enjoyable. With your assistance, we can create a fun and educational experience at each and every visit. This will establish the foundation for a lifetime of optimal oral health for your child.

  1. Reward and Applaud

When your child leaves with a smile, make sure he or she is given attention for excellent behavior at our office. Spending special one-on-one time with your child after his or her appointment can create a routine that both you and your child will enjoy.

Please know your child’s oral and overall health is important to us. Call us any time with questions or concerns. We’re here for you.

Midlothian Pediatric Dentist | The History of the Tooth Fairy

Children losing their first tooth is an exciting stage in life. They often run to you as soon as their tooth falls out asking if the Tooth Fairy will visit them at night. Most children know about the Tooth Fairy, but many people don’t know where or when this tradition started. The concept surrounding lost baby teeth has been around for centuries. Below we have shared common historical traditions that have helped evolve the Tooth Fairy into the tradition that it is today.

  •         A story, originating in Spain, is very similar to the modern Tooth Fairy. A mouse named Perez exchanged gifts for teeth, which were put under pillows of sleeping children.
  •         There’s a reason mice have a tradition with teeth. Rodents’ teeth grow for their entire lives.
  •         In France, there is a fairy tale about a queen who is imprisoned by a king. She receives assistance from a mouse who happens to be a fairy. The fairy knocks out the king’s teeth and hides them under a pillow.
  •         Teeth have been disposed of in ritualistic ways since ancient times: buried, burned, or even swallowed.
  •         The fairy has been depicted in a wide range of forms in popular culture. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays a sports star who is turned into the fairy in the movie the Tooth Fairy. The mythos of the Tooth Fairy isn’t even safe from the horror genre.  In 2003’s Darkness Falls the Tooth Fairy is depicted as a vengeful spirit.
  •         The Royal Canadian Mint sold quarters depicting the Tooth Fairy in the years 2011 and ’12.
  •         A survey completed by Visa showed children in the United States get an average of $3.70 per tooth.
  •         In the 1970s, a radio DJ based in Chicago mentioned the Tooth Fairy. The American Dental Association ended up receiving an enormous amount of calls regarding the figure and had no way to answer.

Did you know these facts about the Tooth Fairy? Now when your child asks where the tooth fairy came from, you have answers. Don’t forget to schedule a dental exam and cleaning as soon as your children’s teeth start developing. Please contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

Children’s Dentist Near Me | 4 Ways to Make Oral Hygiene Fun

Kids Dentist in Midlothian

It can be difficult to get your child to practice proper oral care unsupervised. However, the long-term benefits of an early start to optimal oral hygiene are worth the effort. Below are some tips to help you make oral health a fun part of your child’s daily routine.

  1. Brush with a Buddy.

Your child will be much more excited to floss and brush their teeth if it’s a family activity. Brush your teeth with your child, or if they have siblings, have the kids brush together. This will help make the time more fun and help your child to subconsciously accept oral hygiene as a normal part of a daily routine.

  1. Choose the Right Supplies.

Let you child pick out their own toothbrush. This will help them feel like they have a say in their oral care routine.

  1. Reward Good Behavior.

A little incentive can go a long way. When trying to get your child to floss and brush on their own, it might be helpful to implement a simple reward system. For example, your child could track their own brushing on a calendar and trade it in for a small gift or prize after a month of twice daily brushing.

  1. Educate to Empower.

It’s important that your child understands why practicing good oral hygiene is so important. Use this as an opportunity to teach them about the dangers associated with poor oral health.

There are a lot of strategies you can use to make brushing a fun part of your child’s day, rather than a chore. You know your child better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to come up with some additional techniques that will work better for them!

Regular professional dental cleanings are an essential part of any good oral hygiene routine, so contact our dental team to schedule your child’s next appointment today.

Kids Dentist Midlothian | 3 Simple Ways to Reduce Tooth Decay

Pediatric Dentist Near Me

A happy smile is a healthy smile! There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are a few suggestions from our team.

Eat a Tooth Friendly Diet

Reduce the amount of sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on these substances.

We suggest you reduce grains, beans, seeds, and nuts in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diet such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots.

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal at home dental care routine. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth.

Dental Sealants

Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, dental sealants can benefit adults and those who have a higher risk of decay. Dental sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the tooth. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and minimizes exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down enamel.

When left untreated, tooth decay can cause discomfort and spread to other healthy teeth. You can combat tooth decay by reducing sugars and acids in your diet and brushing and flossing regularly. For some patients, dental sealants might be a solution.

Don’t forget to schedule your next visit to our office. Our team can provide a professional cleaning and check for signs of tooth decay.

Midlothian Children’s Dentist | Making Oral Hygiene Fun

Children’s Dentist Near Me

As a parent, it’s important to model good behaviors to your children. From being courteous to cleaning up after themselves, your child learns how to be responsible from you. It can be difficult to get your child to practice good oral care unsupervised, however the long-term benefits of an early start to good oral hygiene are worth the effort. Below are some tips to help you make practicing good oral health a fun part of your child’s daily routine, rather than something you have to fight over every day. Contact our dental team today to learn more or to schedule your child’s next dental examination and cleaning.

  1. Brush with a Buddy.

Your child will be much more excited to floss and brush their teeth if it’s a family activity, rather than something they have to do alone. Brush your teeth with your child, or, if they have siblings, have all the kids brush together. This will help make the time more fun and help your child to subconsciously accept oral hygiene as a normal part of a daily routine.

  1. Choose the Right Supplies.

Kids can sometimes be difficult to please. Something as simple as the color of the toothbrush or the design of the toothpaste tube can make a world of difference in getting your child excited to brush. Let you child pick out their own toothbrush. This will help them feel like they have a say in their oral care routine, rather than being forced to do something they don’t want to.

  1. Reward Good Behavior.

A little incentive can go a long way. When trying to get your children to floss and brush on their own, it might be helpful to implement a simple reward system. For example, your child could track their own brushing on a calendar and trade it in for a small gift or prize after a few months of twice daily brushing. Get creative!

  1. Educate to Empower.

It’s important that your child understands why practicing good oral hygiene is so important. Rather than simply telling them they have to, use this as an opportunity to teach them about the dangers associated with poor oral health.

There are a lot of strategies you can use to make brushing a fun part of your child’s day, rather than a chore. You know your child better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to come up with some additional techniques that will work better for them! Regular professional dental cleanings are an essential part of any good oral hygiene routine, so contact our dental team to schedule your child’s next appointment today!

 

Visit Our Midlothian Pediatric Dental Office