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Blog Post
6 Ways to Make Dental Appointments Less Scary for Your Kids
- By Admin
- •
- 07 Nov, 2017
Visiting the dentist can seem quite scary to young children so it is extremely important that parents take the necessary steps to make these appointments more exciting. Once the little one sees going to the dentist in a positive light, they will become less fearful and even begin to look forward to their exam and cleaning sessions.
1. Start Young
One of the best ways to make a trip to the dentist less scary is to begin taking your baby there as soon as their first tooth emerges. Infants typically start teething around four to seven months of age, although teething can occur as early as three months. The doctor will be gentle with your little one, and as your baby grows into a toddler, they will become used to the regular check-ups and cleanings.
2. Schedule a Tour
If your child is a little older when you make their first dental appointment, contact the dentist's office and ask for a tour. At this time your child will have the chance to meet the staff, try out the dental chair, and even touch the instruments as the hygienist explains what each one is used for. Then when you bring them back for their visit, they will already be comfortable with the surroundings.
3. Arrange for a Special Treat
While it isn't a good idea to bribe children to do what you want them to do, you can make the day more inviting by arranging for a special treat. This may be something as simple as going for an ice cream after the visit or taking a trip to the local arcade. You can make it a mommy and me day and do a little shopping, or take a nature walk in the park.
The important thing is that you stay away from special treats like sticky candies, as the American Dental Association warns that these treats stick to your teeth and are harder for your saliva to break down, which means a higher risk of developing cavities.
4. Practice on a Doll
Kids love to play pretend so it is only natural for parents to use this to their advantage. Gather a few of your child's favorite dolls or stuffed animals before their first visit and visually show him or her what will happen at the dentist's office. Afterward, let your child be the dentist and practice on the pretend patient. If your child is a bit older and you're brave enough, you may even want to allow them to brush your teeth.
5. Bring a Comfort Object
Although you may not want to permit your toddler to bring his or her comfort object wherever you go, a trip to the dentist is a good exception to the rule. It is important that your child feels at ease so that dental anxiety doesn't grow and continue on into adulthood. Holding the comfort object will also give your child something to do with their hands during the exam.
6. Go With a Friend
What do adults do when they have a medical appointment that causes them a little anxiety? They bring a friend or family member along for the visit. Parents may find that their children will look forward to visiting the dentist if their appointment time coincides with that of one of their good friends. If this cannot be arranged, then consider asking your child's best friend to come along for support and some play time after.
When you're ready to start your children on the road to a healthy smile contact Sparks Dental. Our friendly staff is ready to make your little one comfortable so that they will look forward to coming back again and again.
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