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Preparing for your child’s dental visit goes beyond just scheduling the appointment. It’s about creating a supportive environment at home to ensure a smooth and positive experience. By taking a few thoughtful steps before the visit, you can help make the appointment less stressful and more enjoyable for your child. Let's explore how you can do that!
1) Talk Positively About the Visit
Begin by having a friendly chat with your child about the dental visit. Keep the conversation calm and reassuring, using simple, positive words to explain what will happen. Let them know that the dentist is there to help keep their smile healthy and bright.
When you talk openly about the dentist, it helps to reduce any fears or anxieties your child might have. They will understand what to expect and feel more at ease with the idea of visiting the dentist. By making these conversations a regular part of your routine, you create a positive association with dental visits, making it easier for your child to approach their appointments with a smile. Plus, it encourages them to ask questions and share any worries they might have, which can help you address any concerns before the visit.
2) Play Pretend Dentist At Home
Bringing your child for a dental visit is crucial in ensuring proper dental care from an early age. Dental treatment should begin as soon as primary teeth, or baby teeth, emerge; highlighting the importance of infant oral health. This is typically when your child turns 6 month old.
Role-playing can be a fun way to help your child get ready for their dental visit. You can pretend to be the dentist while your child plays the patient. Use a soft toothbrush to count their teeth and show them that it’s not scary. This can make the real visit feel less intimidating and help your child feel more at ease.
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3) Review Oral Hygiene Routines
Early childhood dental care is essential in preventing tooth decay and promoting healthy development. A dental check-up for kids helps monitor the growth of your child's teeth and ensures any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Before the visit, make sure your child’s brushing and flossing are on track. Encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily. You can make this fun by brushing your teeth together or using a timer to ensure they brush for the full two minutes. Additionally, it may be a good idea to bring their own toothbrush for the visit. It will help them feel more comfortable and at ease.
4) Read Stories And Watch Videos About Visiting The Dentist
Kids love watching cartoons and many cartoon characters have had fun visits to the dentist. Seeing their favourite characters have a great time at the dentist can make the idea seem less scary and more exciting. There are also plenty of kid-friendly books and YouTube clips that show these characters in a positive light. These can help your child understand what to expect and feel more at ease about their own visit. Examples include:
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Hello Kitty & Friends – Brush Your Teeth
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SpongeBob SquarePants – The Whole Tooth
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Dora The Explorer - Check Up Day
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Finny and Papa Shark Visit The Dentist
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The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth
5) Use Positive Reinforcement
To make the dental visit a positive experience, try adding something fun to the day. You could let your child pick out a small reward to enjoy after the appointment, such as a trip to the playground or a fun activity they love.
By planning something enjoyable for after the visit, you help create a positive association with going to the dentist. This way, your child will start to look forward to their dental visits, knowing that something fun is waiting for them afterwards.
6) Time it Well
Kids often have times of the day when they're either grumpy or happy. To make the dental visit go more smoothly, try to pick a time when your child is usually in a good mood. It’s best to avoid scheduling the appointment when they’re tired or hungry, as that can make them more cranky and less cooperative. For example, scheduling the visit after they’ve had a nap or a meal can help them feel better and make the appointment easier.
7) Bring Along A Friend
If your child has a favourite toy or comfort item, bringing it along to the dental appointment can be really helpful. Having something familiar with them can make them feel more secure and less anxious.
This comfort item can be a beloved stuffed animal, a special blanket or any other item that helps them feel safe and relaxed. They might find the visit less intimidating and more reassuring, which can make the whole experience more pleasant.
Conclusion
As a parent, remember to stay calm and supportive during the dental appointment. Kids often pick up on how their parents are feeling so if you stay calm and positive, it can help your child feel more relaxed. Keep encouraging them and offer a reassuring word or a smile—it can really make a difference.
By preparing this way at home, you’ll help make your child’s dental visit as stress-free and positive as possible. Regular dental check-ups are important for keeping teeth healthy and your preparation helps set the stage for a lifetime of great smiles. Regular visits to the dentist establish good dental habits, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Looking to book a dental appointment for your child with Dental Designs? Just send us a message here and we’ll be happy to help!
References
- Karimi, M. Why are Children Afraid of Dental Work?. Mod App Dent Oral Health 2 (4)-2018. MADOHC. MS. ID, 141.
- Baier K, Milgrom P, Russell S, Mancl L, Yoshida T. Children's fear and behavior in private pediatric dentistry practices. Pediatr Dent. 2004 Jul-Aug;26(4):316-21. PMID: 15344624.