Have your child's pearly whites already been checked by a dentist? If not, it is not too late. Follow these three simple steps to make that first dental visit a fun experience for your little one:
1. Choose The Right Dentist
Pediatric dentists are recommended for children because they have at least two supplementary years of dental education compared with regular dentists. WebMD states, "The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child's developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children's dentistry."
Other important factors to check for in a clinic are the staff and the facilities. The staff must be sympathetic and experienced with children; they must be trained with helping your child become at ease throughout the appointment. The dental center must use child-friendly equipment with a child-oriented atmosphere. Some clinics prepare post-visit rewards for the kiddy patients.
2. Set The Expectations
Anything that people only get to experience for the first time can cause anxiety and even fear. It is normal for a child to feel scared about going to the dentist for the first time. The apprehension is a result of the uncertainties of what to expect.
The role of parents is very imperative to make the first dental visit less stressful. Setting your child's expectations will answer the questions that might have caused your child's qualms about the dental check. Today's Parent suggests using bedtime stories about visiting the dentist or role-playing with your child will help set the expectations right.
3. Have The Right Attitude
Children have the innate abilities to mirror the behavior of those around them. It is crucial that the kids get surrounded by positive attitudes about an upcoming dental experience. Parents and older siblings should serve as good role models for the little first timers.
Once the child seems fully prepared to go to the dentist, ensure that you would have an extra stretch of patience in case it would not go as planned. Be extra mindful of your own attitude on that special day, your child will be very perceptive of the energy around them. Make them feel it will be another fun first-time experience that they would want to repeat.
