When children begin going to the dentist, it can be scary for them. However, there are things you can do as a parent to ease your little one's anxiety. You want to ensure that their visit to the kids dentist goes as smoothly as possible because this will set the stage for more successful visits to come.
1. Teach Them About the Dentist
As children start venturing away from places outside the home, doctor and dental offices can be intimidating at first. That's why they must understand what to expect beforehand. Do your best to explain how a dentist can help protect their teeth. You can use media specifically made for children, such as books, videos, and cartoons to help the children understand what a dentist does.
2. Show Them Your Teeth
If you have relatively healthy teeth that you don't mind showing off, let your child see what good dental care can do. Open wide and let your little one peek in and poke around a bit. Let them ask as many questions as possible. You can even test them on the names of the teeth. Children love any interactivity and this is a great time to let your children have an interactive dental session at home.
3. Be Proactive
One of the best ways to keep your child calmer about the dentist is to prevent major dental issues and injuries from happening. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, sports cause 10 to 39% of children's dental injuries, particularly chipped and broken teeth. If your children are very active or play sports, make sure they use the right mouthguards to avoid injury and dental trauma.
4. Make the First Visit Fun
When you first go to the kids dentist, keep your child as relaxed as possible. Say positive and happy things about the dentist and give them a quick quiz about teeth. Find a related children's book that talks about teeth and dental care. Have your child bring their favorite toy to also help them feel comfortable.
Have patience with your child as they begin going to the dentist. Their anxiety will probably pass in time but do your best to ensure their initial visits are as smooth as possible. If you want a friendly and experienced kids dentist that will make your child comfortable, visit our local office today.
