Pediatric dentists in South Morang highly recommend that children have their first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth erupts or before they turn one year. This helps provide useful and fun tips to parents in maintaining and boosting their kids’ oral health and hygiene.
One of the many advantages of taking your kids to the dentist at an early age is they get comfortable with the idea of dental visits. This way, you can also ensure that your kid will be mindful of their oral health.
So, here’s how to prepare your child for their first dental appointment.
How to Prepare Your Child for a Pediatric Dental Visit
Every “first” can be a traumatic or pleasing experience for children. It helps to ensure that their first dental appointment will not be the last.
1. Feel Comfortable
The first thing you should do is prepare yourself as the child’s guardian and companion for the dental visit. If you are anxious, expect your child to feel the same way. It helps to “think positively.”
Show that you are confident in entrusting your child’s oral health to dental practitioners. Note that pediatric dentists are highly trained and skilled in handling kids of all ages, so there is nothing to worry about.
2. Prepare Your Child Mentally
The next thing to do is make sure that your child is mentally prepared for the dental visit. Many kids consider going to the dentist as an important milestone in their lives, so it helps to get them ready mentally.
Instill in their minds the importance of oral health and hygiene. It also helps to assure them that it is something fun and exciting. And most importantly, guarantee them that they can be friends with their dentist. It is noteworthy that the idea of a new friend can be thrilling for many toddlers.
3. Read Them Books About Dental Visits
One of the best ways to get children interested in something is by reading them books or perhaps letting them watch cartoons and shows about it. If you want them to like dental visits, it helps to read them stories that encourage going to the dentist.
You may also find cartoons that show the benefits of dental visits. For example, if your child enjoys watching “Peppa Pig”, you can find episodes of this cartoon show about dentists, like “Peppa Pig Goes to the Dentist.”
Children tend to mimic what they read or watch, which can help encourage them to do the same.
4. Allow Your Child to Play Dentist at Home
Another way to encourage your child to visit the dentist is to let them pretend that either of you is the dentist. You can buy pretend toys similar to dentists’ tools and devices and make your sofa the dental chair. This will help your child feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office later on.
5. Choose a Reliable Pediatric Dentist
After preparing yourself and your child to be comfortable with dental settings, it’s time to find the best pediatric dentist near you. They are primarily trained to work with toddlers, kids and pre-teens.
Pediatric dentists undergo child development and behavioural management training to handle different situations that may warrant their utmost patience. And with years of experience, you can be sure that your little one is in good hands.
6. Schedule an Appropriate Dental Visit for the Child
The next thing to do is to observe your child’s mood. Take note of the time when your child is energetic and happy, then schedule your dental visit at that time. In most cases, toddlers are most attentive in the morning, so it may be best to book an appointment with the pediatric dentist between 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
7. Let Your Child Experience Good Brushing
They say that good habits start at home. In this case, look for a soft quality toothbrush and make your child’s brushing experience something they should look forward to. Never make your child hate brushing, as this may impact their interest in going to the dentist.
8. Ask for Additional Encouragement
Another way to prepare your child for their first dental appointment is to get encouragement from other members of the family. An older brother or sister can help share how fun and exciting it is to visit the dentist.
Note that in the eyes of a child, his older sibling is a role model. Knowing that the person he looks up to had a pleasing experience is an assurance that he, too, will be fine.
9. What to Do on the Day Itself
Remember not to leave out the preparations for the day itself. On “D-day,” make sure that you are ready more than ever. Prepare all your child’s medical records as there may be health information that the dentist may need.
Ask a companion to come along and assist you. Bring some light snacks and drinks in case your little one gets hungry. Lastly, bring their favourite toy or book, so you have something to relieve any anxiety they may feel.
Make your child’s first dental visit an experience worth remembering… Trust Smile Ville pediatric dentistry!
