Are you preparing for your child's first trip to the dentist and worrying about how they'll react? The first appointment can be intimidating for children—they're in a strange new environment and surrounded by people they don't know, and it's possible that the checkup could cause some minor discomfort. However, there's plenty you can do to make your child's first appointment a positive experience, and this will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Give the tips below a try.
1. Choose a good family dentist
Choosing a dentist who has experience with kids is one of the best things you can do to make your child's first appointment a success. All good family dentists will understand how scary the process can be for children and will take their time to explain what they're doing and make your child feel as comfortable as possible. Many family dentists also provide children's toys and books in the waiting room, providing plenty of distraction while you wait.
2. Show them pictures of the surgery
If your child has never been to a dental surgery before, showing them some pictures of what to expect is a great way to prepare. You could show them the outside of the building, the waiting room, and the room they'll be in for their appointment. Many dentists will display plenty of photos on their websites, but stock photos are the next best option. Let your child ask questions and explain what the different items are used for.
3. Role play with a dentist play set
Want to make the dentist seem more fun? Grab a simple dentist playset and engage your child in some role-playing games. You could start with a game where you're the dentist and they're the patient, and then reverse the roles. This will help your child feel more prepared for their appointment and is also a great way to bring up topics like the importance of brushing your teeth.
4. Reward them after the appointment
Regardless of how your child's first appointment goes, be ready to reward them for being brave! Some family dentists will offer a sticker or small toy after the appointment. You could also plan a visit to your child's favourite place, allow them to pick out a small item in a shop or cook their favourite meal. Anything that builds up positive associations around the dentist is a good choice.
Making your child comfortable at their first dentist visit sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health, making it well worth the effort.
Contact a family dentist to learn more.
Share2 August 2022
As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.
