Top Tips for Successfully Introducing Your Child to the Dentist

dentist for the first time - Making Your Child's First Trip to the Dentist Memorable

Make the trip memorable when your child sees the dentist for the first time.

NEED HELP PREPARING YOUR CHILD TO VISIT THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME?  WE HAVE ADVICE FOR YOU!

Visiting a dentist for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially for children.  Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that assists children who are going to get a dental exam.  If you are worried about bringing your child to the dentist for the first time, there are some things you can do to make the process of doing to the dentist easier on everyone.  If your child has a positive experience during their first dental exam, they are less likely to develop fears about seeing dental specialists in the future.

TAKE A TRIAL RUN TO THE DENTIST’S OFFICE

One of the best ways to prepare a child for their first dentist appointment is to take them on a “trial run”.  This means that you and your child will visit the pediatric dental clinic to get a good idea of the environment and what the process will be like.  Children fear the unknown, so by making the dental office feel familiar, you will be going a long way into assuaging that fear.

ANSWER YOUR CHILD’S QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DENTIST

Another great way to prevent fears about the dentist from arising is to allow your children to ask you any questions they may have about the process.  By walking them through the process, you are giving them a chance to give voice to their worries.  Keep the conversation simple.  You do not want to overwhelm them with too much information.  Try to choose your words with care.  For example, stay away from words like “shot” or “pain”.

AVOID PROMISING REWARDS FOLLOWING A DENTAL VISIT

Although it can be tempting to promise a treat or a special experience after the visit, it is best to avoid doing this.  Giving them a treat may imply the experience will not be a pleasant one.  If you treat the visit normally, then your child will feel less apprehensive and the visit will be a more positive one.

CHOOSE A DENTIST THAT SPECIALIZES IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

It is important to choose a dental office that caters to children.  At Snodgrass-King, it’s our goal to provide a relaxing and fun filled environment.  Our dental offices have cheetah print carpet, a full arcade, and an aquarium!

All of these simple tips can make a world of difference in your child’s experience when visiting the dentist for the first time.  By doing all of this, you will be ensuring that your child gets a positive experience right from the get go.