As per the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it's recommended that parents schedule their child's initial visit to the pediatric dentist by the age of one. Early dental appointments are vital for promoting healthy teeth and ensuring proper oral development. Moreover, these early visits familiarize the child with the dentist and establish a lifelong habit of dental care.
Preparing the child for a dental appointment
Parents can take specific steps to prepare their child for the dental appointment and ensure that everything goes smoothly. They include:
1 Staying positive
Parents should be mindful that their own anxiety about dental visits can affect their children. It's important for parents who may not feel enthusiastic about dental appointments to refrain from expressing their displeasure in front of their kids. This includes avoiding discussing negative experiences or upcoming procedures. Instead, parents should strive to talk about the dentist in a positive light. When the time comes for the child's dental visit, it's essential for parents to present a cheerful demeanor.
2 Explain them what to expect
The unfamiliar can evoke fear, regardless of age. Ensure that your child has a basic understanding of what to expect during their dental visit to prevent surprises when the dentist examines their mouth. If your child associates doctors with unpleasant experiences like injections, provide reassurance that such procedures won't be part of the dental appointment.
3 Reading books or watching videos about dental visits
Children are often more receptive to dental visits when they see their beloved characters undergoing the same experience. This approach can ease the first dental appointment for them as they gain a preview of what to anticipate. Some examples include:
- A Peppa Pig episode titled "Dentist Trip"
- A segment from Sesame Street featuring "Mr. Handford Goes to the Dentist"
- An episode of Dora The Explorer titled "Check Up Day"
- A SpongeBob SquarePants episode called "The Whole Tooth"
- The book "The Tooth Book" by Dr. Seuss
4 Role-Playing with fav toy
Encourage your child's love for roleplaying by suggesting a game of dentist, where you take on the role of the dentist examining their teeth with a small mirror and brushing them. In turn, they can play the patient or use a favorite toy as their patient. However, ensure not to use their regular toothbrush on toys. This activity presents a great chance to engage them in an oral care routine and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.Links of toys
5 Bringing their favorite toys
When taking your child for their dental appointment, consider bringing along their favorite toy or stuffed animal. This familiar and comforting presence can help the child feel secure and at ease during the visit.
6 Playing app based games
Dentist-related mobile application games have been recognized for their ability to engage and educate children about oral health practices in an enjoyable way. Through interactive gameplay and colorful graphics, these apps encourage kids to learn about proper dental care habits and procedures. By fostering a positive association with dental hygiene, these games play a valuable role in promoting oral health awareness among children.
7 Time it Well
Children typically exhibit patterns of varying moods and behavior throughout the day. To ensure a successful dental appointment, it's beneficial to schedule it during times when your child is calm and content. Avoid scheduling appointments when they are tired or hungry. Additionally, refrain from giving them sugary or caffeinated treats before the visit. Arriving early allows them to acclimate to the environment beforehand.
8 Take Your Child Along with You
Accompanying your child to your dental appointments is an excellent way to familiarize them with the environment and staff, promoting a sense of comfort. This firsthand experience also helps them understand the dentist's role in oral hygiene, preparing them for their own visit.
9 Using positive reinforcement
When a child feels fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist for the first time, parents can provide reassurance that the experience is safe and typical. Offering ample positive reinforcement through praise and encouragement can help them overcome their fears and exhibit bravery. It's important to understand that pediatric dentists encounter various reactions from children regularly, so if the child is uncooperative or cries during the visit, it's a common occurrence and shouldn't be a cause for concern and pediatric dentists are trained to handle kids with various tactics. With each subsequent visit, the experience typically improves. Parents should express pride in their child's accomplishments during the appointment and work together to address any negative aspects of the visit.
10. Preparing for their next visit
Following a successful initial visit, it can be beneficial to discuss the experience with your child to strengthen positive connections, making subsequent visits even smoother.
Final note
Implementing the above mentioned tips will effectively ready your child for their pediatric dentist appointment. Inform them that the dentist is a friend who will guide them in maintaining healthy and robust teeth for the long term. If additional assistance or guidance is required, don't hesitate to seek advice from the dentist. Remember, regular dental appointments are essential for preserving your child's oral health.
Request an appointment here: call at 9599901619 for an appointment at our kids friendly clinic in Thane.
About the author
Dr. Shruti Rathi is a Periodontist and Implantologist with more than 14 years of experience in providing patients with painfree dental treatments. Her mission is to change people's perception of dentistry from a painful ordeal to an indulgent experience. She loves blogging and conducting educational camps for kids as well as adults. She has several national and international papers to her credit. To know more about her, click here.