Brecksville Kids Dentistry eliminates the fear factor and makes dental visits fun for their young patients

By Laura Briedis

Children—and even adults—often fear going to the dentist. But at Brecksville Kids Dentistry, it always is a fun adventure.

From the certified therapy dog, Balto, that greets children and comforts them in the exam room, to the refreshing, sugar free, slushy drink they get after their treatment, to the treasure pit where patients pick out a toy on their way out, everything is designed to put kids at ease.

Instead of a clinical feel in the office, there is a log cabin mural in the reception area and a tree dense forest leading back to the treatment rooms that invokes the feeling of camping.

“We want to make going to the dentist fun so children create healthy habits that last a lifetime,” says Dr. Jennifer Bryk Hechko, owner of Brecksville Kids Dentistry. “By creating a dental adventure and making it a positive experience, we instill in kids at an early age that they should not fear going to the dentist.”

“We now offer Waterlase Laser Dentistry, so we can do many procedures without a drill for a much gentler and less stressful dental experience,” explains Dr. Jen. “It is ideal for composite fillings, as the laser removes tooth decay with minimal involvement of the surrounding tooth, preserving healthy tooth structure.”

To make young patients more comfortable with dental procedures, the staff takes a tell-show-do approach to educating children about their mouth. “Before using the Waterlase laser, we give the patients goggles, which is their laser eyewear, and liken it to going to see a 3D movie and tell them they will hear popping noise from the laser just like when making popcorn,” she explains.

Brecksville Kids Dentistry offers preventative checkups, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings and crowns, tooth extractions and custom mouth guards.

“With kids heading back to school this fall, we want to make sure they stay healthy and don’t miss any class time due to dental issues,” says Dr. Jen. “The number one reason children miss school is dental infections. But they shouldn’t have to, as tooth decay is largely preventable.”

The staff at Brecksville Kids Dentistry is on a mission to educate patients and parents about how proper brushing, along with eating a healthy diet, can ward off cavities and other dental problems.

“Our goal is to help children develop a sincere interest in taking care of their own teeth,” notes Dr. Jen.

Brecksville Kids Dentistry is located at 8801 Brecksville Road, Suite 5, in Brecksville. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For an appointment, call 440-838-5445 or visit BrecksvilleKids.com.