For Parents

New Patient Information

We are accepting new patients! Call (574) 367-7146 or click here to make an appointment today.

Proper dental care is important for all ages.

Good dental health requires daily care of your teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. It is recommended that you receive professional dental check-ups and cleanings at least 1-2 times per year. At The Dental Center of South Bend (Dentistry and Braces for Children and Teenagers) we provide top service for your annual check-ups and cleanings as well as necessary treatment you may need.

How to avoid dental problems? Good daily dental practice, including:

• Brush after meals with a toothbrush that has soft or medium bristles.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride.
• Use dental floss every day.

• Eat fewer sweets, especially between meals.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco products.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.

Your Child’s First Visit

When should my child first see a dentist, and why?

The ideal time as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry is at approximately one year of age. This is an ideal time for your South Bend pediatric dentist to carefully examine the development of your child’s mouth. Because dental problems often start early, the sooner the visit the better. To safeguard against problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking, the dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care.

How do I prepare my child and myself for the visit?

Before the visit, ask your pediatric dentist in South Bend about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. plan a course of action for either reaction your child may exhibit- cooperative or non-cooperative. Very young children may be fussy and not sit still. Talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. Bring with you to the appointment any records of your child’s complete medical history.

What will happen on the first visit?

Many first visits are nothing more than introductory ice-breakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the practice. If the child is frightened, uncomfortable or non-cooperative a rescheduling may be necessary. Patience and calm on the part of the parent and reassuring communication with your child are very important in these instances. Short, successive visits are meant to build the child’s trust in the dentist and the dental office, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem.

Appointments for children should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh. For children under two years of age the parent may have to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the examination. Also, parents may be asked to wait in the reception area so a relationship can be built between your child and the dentist.

If the child is compliant, the first session often lasts between 15-30 minutes and may include the following, depending on age:

• A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
• If indicated, a gently cleaning which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar build-up and stains; X-rays; a demonstration of proper home cleaning; assessment of the need for fluoride
• The dentist should be able to answer any questions you have and try to make you and your child fee comfortable throughout the visit. The entire dental team and the office should provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for your child.

When should the next visit be?

Children, like adults should see the dentist every six months. Some dentists may schedule interim visits for every three months when the child is very young to build up a comfort and confidence level, or to treat a developing problem.

First Visit Registration

We are glad you have chosen our office for your dental care. Please use the link to register as a new patient prior to your appointment. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

New Patient Registration

Privacy Notice Forms

If you wish to send any patient forms or other documentation before or after an appointment please fax them to (574) 245-7502.