Many children have a dental fear.
As a parent, you can ease your child’s dental fear by demonstrating that visits with the dentist can be positive experiences. There are many things you can do to improve your child’s attitude toward the dentist. These tips will help you establish a positive relationship between your child and their dental provider. Here’s what you need to know.
Start Your Child Young
Make your child’s first dentist appointment as their first teeth appear, or as soon as your child is one year old. Taking your child to the dentist at an early age will help them acclimate to the dental office and the experience of visiting the dentist. These early visits are often pleasant experiences, with minimal exploration of the teeth and gums, so your child can develop a positive impression of the dentist’s office.
Practice Going to the Dentist
If your child develops a sense of apprehension about the dentist, practice visiting the dentist in the safety of your home. Set up a chair to represent the dentist’s chair, then pretend that you are the dentist. Show your child how you look in their mouth, ask them questions, and reward them with a toothbrush. Next, give your child the opportunity to be the dentist, as you practice being the patient. Show your child good behavior in the dental seat. Hopefully in these games, your child will have fun and will develop a positive impression of the dentist.
Speak Positively About the Dentist
Talk to your child about how you personally enjoy visits with the dentist. Tell your child about how you like the way your teeth look and feel when you’re finished with a dentist visit. If you have books that talk about the dentist, read them to your child.
Take Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist
One of the best ways to ensure that your child will have a good experience with the dentist is to take them to a pediatric dentist who understands pediatric patients. Contact Potomac Pediatric Dentistry to make your child’s first appointment today.