As a parent, you want your kids to develop healthy habits at a young age that they will continue well into adulthood.

That’s why you encourage your kids to clean up after themselves. It’s why you do your best to get them to eat healthy and exercise.

It’s also why you want to teach them good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing daily. Encouraging another habit — regular visits to the dentist — is a great idea, too.

And if you come to Charles F. Betts, Jr., D.M.D. Family Dentistry, we will help you reinforce the lessons you’re teaching at home. We created a Hands-On Learning Lab as a unique way to show your kids how they can keep their teeth healthy.

To learn more about us, keep reading or, better yet, call 256-274-8680 to schedule a visit to our Decatur, AL dentist office.

Making a Good First Impression

Whenever a patient visits us for the first time, we know this is important. As far as we’re concerned, we are meeting a very special person, and this is the first meeting in what we hope will be a lifelong relationship.

It’s also why we love bringing kids into our Hands-On Learning Labs. During most dental visits, you just sit in a chair while someone else does the work — and occasionally reminds you of what you should be doing to keep your mouth healthy.

With our hands-on approach, we make learning about oral health an interactive experience for your kids.

Upon entering the lab, kids will get to wear one of our cool lab coats to get them in the spirit of learning. They will have the opportunity to test different cleaning devices, so they understand how and why those tools are used.

They can even test manual and electric toothbrushes side-by-side to understand the differences. And we’ll let them try a product that will make it easier for them to see the “yucky” plaque on their teeth.

In our experience, our hands-on approach helps to reinforce the importance of good daily hygiene and regular professional dental care in a way kids will remember.

Introducing Your Kids to the Dentist

We welcome children to visit us for their first cleaning as early as their second birthday, but your kids also are welcome to join you for your cleanings before that.

By bringing your daughter or son with you, you are giving your little one an opportunity to become familiar with our team and our office. It also lets your child see what we do for you. This can help your child understand what’s happening when it’s her or his turn for a cleaning and exam.

As your children get older, we have services that will help with their changing dental needs as well. With digital X-rays, we can monitor changes as their mouths grow, as they lose baby teeth, and as their permanent teeth erupt.

You can take advantage of services like fluoride treatments, which make teeth stronger, and dental sealants, which can greatly reduce the risk of cavities, as well.

And we’re always open to answering any questions you have. Your children’s visits with us are an opportunity for you to learn more about our many services and what you can do at home to help your family stay free from tooth decay and gum disease.

We Hope to See You Soon

We invite you to get to know us whether you are a long-time patient, new to the Decatur, AL area, or just looking for a new family dentist. At Charles F. Betts, Jr., D.M.D. Family Dentistry, you can request an appointment by calling 256-274-8680 or by filling out our handy online form.