Going to the dentist as a kid is a big deal, but can be scary for many children. After all, they are getting their teeth brushed, flossed and sometimes pulled out by a stranger. Yikes!
Here’s a few suggestions that may help your child feel comfortable and excited about going to the dentist.
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1. Begin at Home
Provide your child with an age appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste and allow them to practice brushing their own teeth every morning and night. This will make them feel as if they are apart of the routine that you are trying to establish as a parent.
Now, of course you will need to brush your child’s teeth behind them until they are at least 7 years old and can do it correctly alone. Encourage them often.
2. Choose a Pediatric Dentist
Choosing a pediatric dentist is best for a child’s first visit. Visiting a family designed dentistry may be appropriate for your family, but if the office doesn’t accommodate your child during their wait or during their visit you may have to find a new provider.
The office environment should look kid friendly from entry to exit if your child is apprehensive about their dental visit.
3. Start Early
Going to the dentist should become a normal routine for your child’s yearly healthcare. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that you should schedule your child’s first dentist appointment at 12 months of age. Taking your child to the dentist office during their preschool years will help them to be less anxious about visits as they grow older.
Preventive care at a younger age will help your child to have fewer dental issues in the future that may cost you or them more money and them unnecessary pain with dental procedures.
Ironically, children tend to listen to doctors about their health more than their own parents, so allow your dentist to vocally stress the importance of good brushing, so that your child will see that it’s not just another rule of thumb from you.
4. Read Books and Watch Videos
There are a lot of great books that will help your child feel more comfortable and excited about brushing their teeth and their upcoming dentist appointments. Read them or watch them ahead of time more than once, so that your child will have an opportunity to think about what is coming or how it’s a normal practice for many boys and girls.
5. Be The Example
Bring your little one into the bathroom with you while you brush and floss. Show and explain why you brush twice a day. If you have an older child that is afraid of the going to the dentist take them with you to your appointment. Your brave face may help them.
6. Hold Their Hands
If your child’s dentist office doesn’t allow you to go into the back with your child you may want to find a different provider. My children were able to sit on my lap for the first two years of their lives and this helped them to feel comfortable. By year 3 they were exited to go back and sit in the big chair, but they still wanted my husband or me by their side. Once they saw that everyone was their to help and not harm they got excited about what was to come after their appointment. Which brings me to my next suggestion.
7. Reward Them for Being Brave
Most pediatric dentist offices give their patients a small reward for coming for their visit. However, if your child’s dentist office doesn’t make sure that you do something for them. It can be something small such as a stop for ice cream, a dollar toy, stickers, a new book, extra screen time, or their favorite meal. Make sure that you let them know how proud of them you are.
Here are a few books that may help your child feel more comfortable and excited about their visit to the dentist or their next appointment. Click each book to learn more about each title.
Do you have any more suggestions for parents to help make their child excited and comfortable about going to the dentist? If so, share them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
