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A first dentist appointment can be a stressful experience for adults– can you imagine a child having a first dentist appointment?
Although you surely prepare your child as best you can, first dentist appointments are still a stressful experience. Luckily, you can do plenty to ease their nerves, whether it’s the first time they get their teeth cleaned or the first checkup.
Read on for tips to make your kid’s first dentist appointment as stress-free as possible.
In This Post:
Plan Ahead
You can prep your child for their first dentist appointment by helping them understand why they need to get dental care. You can talk to your child about the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day, using an electric toothbrush to reach hard-to-brush areas, and visiting the dentist regularly to get professional dental services.
Additionally, you can have your child sign up for a fluoride mouth rinse to protect their teeth and prevent tooth decay. Dentists commonly recommend that children get their first dental visit at around age 2 or 3.
However, this age varies from child to child, so be sure to talk to your pediatric dentist to find out when is the best time to get your child’s first dental checkup.
Read Books About the Dentist
Reading books about the dentist
, dental office, and treatments will help your child feel more comfortable during their first dental appointment. The books can help your child feel more confident about their teeth and dental care.
Books that are good to read feature a parent or child visiting the dentist. These books can help your child prepare for their first dentist appointment.
Other books that are great to read with your child are those that feature a checklist so that your child can review what they need to do before visiting the dental office. This can help your child feel more prepared, especially since most dental practices have a check-in time before the visit begins.
Bring Their Favorite Toys
Dentists often recommend that your child bring a toy, cartoon, or other objects that belong to them to feel more comfortable during their first dental visit.
This can help your child feel more at ease during the visit because they have a special toy that belongs to them that they can bring with them.
Make Teeth Brushing a Routine
Teeth brushing is a daily routine that your child should start when they are young. If your child has never brushed their teeth before, you can have them brush their teeth right before visiting the dentist.
Some people brush their teeth just once a day, but the American Dental Association recommends that people brush their teeth twice a day. Twice a day means that people brush their teeth in the morning and again in the evening before bed.
By brushing your teeth twice a day, you make sure that the bacteria in your mouth is low enough that it won’t cause tooth decay. You can also make brushing teeth a part of your child’s morning routine.
Explain to Your Child That Having Dental Care Is Good For Them Too
Many kids are afraid to visit a dentist because they are self-conscious or because they don’t understand the importance of dental care. Make sure to explain to your child that dental care is good for them.
You can explain to your child that when you brush your teeth, you are ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria so that you don’t get tooth decay.
You can also explain to your child how harmful it would be if they didn’t brush their teeth. Children’s Dentistry of Cherry Creek can help your child learn everything they need to know about oral hygiene.
First Dentist Appointment Tips for Parents
Your child can have an excellent first dentist experience with some prep and patience! Ready to schedule your child’s first dentist appointment?
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