Taking care of your teeth is a lifelong commitment. Therefore, to ensure that your child starts off on the right foot, it is very important to find a good children’s dentist. In the early years of a child’s life, the focus of dentistry is on development and education. Thus dental appointments should include instruction about brushing and flossing and the importance of homecare techniques and habits. These dental visits are also very important in forming a child’s opinion about dentistry in general, which is why your Ankeny IA children’s dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, strives to interact with children in a positive and fun way. Positive interactions help to form constructive opinions about the value of dentistry, making a child more likely to make oral health a priority later in life. Thus, while much of the earliest dental visits are about checkups and building a relationship, they are some of the most important visits of a lifetime because they form the foundation of a child’s feeling about dentistry and oral health.
What to Expect from a Dental Visit
The first few dental visits that a child will attend are as much about creating familiarity and trust between the patient and the dentist as they are about examining a child’s teeth. Children should attend their first dental visits at about one year of age or six months after the emergence of the first tooth. During the first visit, Dr. Peddicord will examine your child’s teeth, ensuring that they are coming in properly. She will also spend some time getting to know her new patient, building trust with her caring demeanor.
Compassionate Children’s Care in Ankeny IA
If you are in search of a children’s dentist, Dr. Peddicord is a great choice. Her gentle and understanding approach helps to put children at ease, making their first experiences with dentistry very pleasant. She also encourages communication and seeks to get to know her patients individually. In addition to her ability to put children at ease, Dr. Peddicord has the experience and knowledge to provide first-rate dental care. She is meticulous and dedicated, meaning your child will be in great hands.
About Dr. Erika Peddicord
Dr. Erika Peddicord received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Her enthusiasm for building lasting relationships with her patients and her dedication to oral health set her apart as an outstanding family dentist.