Pediatric Dentistry

We place great emphasis on creating a positive and safe experience for children at the dentist. The first visits are about getting the child used to the environment and building trust so that dental treatments become pleasant and without anxiety. Children need regular check-ups, and we monitor their dental health at all ages with a personal approach and professional care.

Illustration of a dentist with a child.

The first time to the dentist

Before a child goes to the dentist for the first time, it is good to talk about the visit positively with the child and even look at children’s books about dental visits together.

Parents’ own dental experience is usually not in line with what the child will experience, so avoid describing your own experience.

In general, it is good to say that the dentist will count the teeth and maybe brush them.

Do not promise the child gold and green forests for doing well because this leads to suspicion and causes problems if the child does not live up to expectations.

All children receive rewards at the dentist who always manages to find some positive aspect of the child’s behavior that can be rewarded.

Note to feed the child before going to the dentist because sometimes the teeth are fluoride painted during the examination. Then you may not eat solid food for 1 hour afterwards and you should not brush or use dental floss in the evening.

It is not advisable to plan a visit to the bakery or a restaurant after the dental visit.

Arrive on time

It is very important to arrive on time for the scheduled appointment and allow the child to get used to the environment calmly. Take off outer clothes and shoes, look at the toys in the children’s corner and play and use the bathroom if needed. Parents also need to fill out a health questionnaire for the child. When the dentist or assistant comes to get the child in the waiting room, the first stage of adaptation is completed if done correctly.

On site

Let the dentist approach the child without unnecessary interruptions in the communication. Parents accompany young children into the dental office and the older ones according to wishes and needs. It is important for parents to stay out of the way while the dentist approaches the child and tries to get its attention. Sometimes parents can be helpful if behavioral difficulties are involved. Avoid disturbing the child’s adaptation and treatment with unnecessary fuss around the dentist, as it hinders the dentist from getting the child’s attention.

Behavioral deviations

Let the dentist know if there are any behavioral or developmental deviations regarding the child, preferably when the appointment is booked. The dentist may need to use other methods to approach the child if this is the case. Parents can be very helpful and guide the dentist and staff on how best to approach the child if deviations are present.

When things go well

During a regular examination, the child sits in the chair, the chair is reclined, teeth are examined with a mirror and probe (called a hook), and sometimes X-rays are taken. Often teeth are cleaned and fluoride painted but not always at the first visit. Note that after fluoride painting, the child should not eat solid food for 1 hour and should not brush teeth in the evening.

If the visit goes as planned, the child naturally receives praise and rewards and parents and child leave proudly.

If not everything goes as planned

If not everything goes as planned and the child is uncooperative, it is very important not to go into a negative mood and blame the child. All children want deep down to do well even if they are not always able when it matters. Usually a new appointment is booked and the child gets another chance. Meanwhile, it is possible to prepare the child for the next visit. Do not talk about the child’s previous performance negatively so the child hears. Talk positively about the dentist and staff and the dental office environment. Then it may still not go perfectly next time the child comes. Some children come to us full of good intentions but then freeze as soon as the dentist appears. Do not despair because this passes for most children. After the age of 4-5 years, most children are able to visit the dentist and allow routine treatments. Only a small portion of children need special arrangements such as sedatives or anesthesia.

Children need to come regularly to the dentist

We recommend that children come every 6-12 months for regular dental check-ups. The dentist assesses each time what risk factors are present with the child and how far it should be until the next check-up. Risk factors can be beginning or active decay, poor dental hygiene, bad diet, illnesses, etc. Children who are getting adult teeth often need to come more frequently during that process.

When a child comes for regular check-up, teeth are examined, cleaned and often fluoride painted. X-rays are taken regularly to assess whether there are cavities, especially between molars, and sometimes to confirm that adult teeth are present under baby teeth.

What does it cost to bring a child to the dentist?

Dental care for children 0-18 years old is fully covered by Health Insurance except for a 3500 ISK visit fee charged once every 12 months. Therefore, you pay nothing for your child with us except the visit fee when applicable.

Do you have a child who needs to come to the dentist?

At Tannlæknaþjónustan, we provide dental care for all age groups. Our dentists have long experience with children’s dental care and welcome them warmly. We look forward to meeting your child!