There’s simply no understating the importance of children’s dentistry, especially from a young age. By exposing young children to dental visits and routine cleanings and check-ups early on, parents can set their children up for a lifetime of great dental hygiene. For those preparing a small child for his or her first visit, however, things can be difficult. Fortunately, there are a few steps parents can take to reduce anxiety in children and get them excited about going to the dentist.
Schedule a Visit
Start by making sure you’ve chosen a dentist who has experience in working with children. From there, consider bringing your child into the office for a visit that doesn’t involve any dental work. During this visit, your child can meet the front desk staff in addition to dentists and hygienists. Your child may even be invited into an exam room and be shown the various tools used during exams, making him or her feel more comfortable.
Bring Your Child to Your Dental Check Up
Another option for preparing your child for his or her first dental check is to have him or her come into the exam room with you during one of yours. Of course, you’ll want to check with your dentist ahead of time to make sure this is okay with the staff. If so, then having your child see you go through a check-up without issue can be a great way to build his or her own confidence and put the mind at ease.
Read Children’s Books About Going to the Dentist
Finally, there are all kinds of great children’s books out there that are written to help children feel better about going to the dentist, so consider stopping by your local book shop or library to let your child pick one or two out. From there, you can read the books together before bedtime in the days and weeks leading up to your child’s first dental appointment.
There’s a lot involved with preparing a child for his or her first trip to the dentist. With the right amount of preparation and by choosing the right dentist, it can go very smoothly.
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