Preparing Your Child For The Dentist
Regular dental checkups are crucial to maintaining the oral health of children. However, a trip to the dentist can be scary, especially if it's your child’s first dental visit and they aren't sure what to expect. Here are some tips for making the first visit to a dentist a positive experience.
How to Explain the Dentist to Your Child
- Stay positive: A positive attitude about the dentist can go a long way. Avoid negative words like pain or shot, and explain what happens at the dentist in a positive way. Subtle word changes like “we get to go to the dentist” versus “we have to go to the dentist” can go a long way.
- Read dentist-related books: Children's books can be incredibly helpful in preparing your child ready for a dental visit. When kids see their favorite characters happily visiting the dentist, it helps them have a better attitude toward the dentist. You should pre-read these books to ensure they are appropriate for your child’s personality. Some dentist books involve having procedures like extractions and fillings, which may be a little more detailed and invasive than your child needs.
- Play dentist: Playing games can help familiarize them with the experience. Pretend you are the dentist and act out what will happen at the appointment. Then let your child be the dentist. Many a future dentist or doctor is born out of a play dentist kit. You may want to remove the syringe, though!
- Schedule a tour at the office to help familiarize your child with the setting: Once you've scheduled your child's appointment, bring them in for a brief tour of the office in advance. This can greatly help them get familiar with the sights and sounds without being directly involved, reducing anxiety when it's time for their actual dental visit.
How Do I Make My Child More Comfortable at the Dentist?
People of all ages suffer from dental anxiety. Sometimes this results from a traumatic experience, but in many situations, young children develop anxiety that could have been avoided with a little preparation. On the day of your child's dental appointment:
- Bring a familiar toy or stuffed animal: If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, it's a good idea to bring it with you to the appointment, as this can help them feel safe and secure.
- Positive reinforcement: Compliment your child for a job well done after their dental visit. Positive reinforcement can help boost their confidence and attitude toward future dental visits.
Benefits of Regular Kids' Dental Care
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should receive regular dental care starting after the first tooth erupts or when they celebrate their first birthday. There are several benefits of regular dental visits for kids:
- Prevent cavities: According to the CDC, cavities or tooth decay is one of the most common childhood chronic diseases in the United States. The good news is that cavities can be treated and even prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and visiting the dentist regularly. During these visits, your dentist will examine your child's teeth for signs of cavities and provide preventive care such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and nutritional suggestions to protect your child from cavities.
- Establish a lifetime of healthy oral habits: Educating your child on the importance of good dental health should start early. Regular checkups from a young age offer a great opportunity for children to learn from professionals about proper oral hygiene techniques like brushing and flossing. These visits can also help your child develop a good attitude toward dental checkups and oral care.
- Check for normal tooth development: Baby teeth are the starting ground for adult teeth, so when baby teeth are healthy, it's easier for adult teeth to come in healthier and straighter. From your child's first dental visit, your dentist can monitor your kid's tooth development to ensure that the teeth are developing and erupting normally. Regular visits allow your dentist to catch any developmental problems early when they're easy to treat, limiting dental issues that may impact the integrity and appearance of your child's smile.
Pediatric Dental Office in Austin, Bastrop, Belterra, and Buda, TX
Establishing healthy routines early will not only pave the way for proper oral development but also help your children grow into strong, healthy, confident adults. At Austin Kids Teeth, we're committed to providing exceptional pediatric dental care to children of all ages. Thanks to our friendly and fun-loving team and kid-friendly office, you can be confident that your child will have a comfortable and positive dental experience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child!