The initial dental experience should be positive to build a healthy approach to oral health. Kids tend to fear big chairs, shiny tools, and mouth checks. And because of this, they need gentle coping as well as preparation to get rid of any anxieties. The right way to deal with these fears is to start visits earlier during childhood days as it promotes good dental habits. Parents can be relaxed too as by preparing right, they can enable their children to have less anxiety. You are welcome to read this article as it has five tips to make the first dental visit of your kid less stressful.

1. Prepare Your Child Ahead of Time

You can talk about the dental visit before the day comes in a positive light because this can lessen the fear of your child. Describe the expectation, informing them that a dentist is a helper of the teeth, using simple words. Also, read a dental visit-based story or watch a friendly video to overcome their anxiety. Practice playing dentist at home and become overwhelmed by initiating brushing and mouth opening imitation. To ensure that your child is familiar with the concept of visiting the dentist, pose as many questions as possible, discuss the feelings, and eliminate the confusion. This would be an exciting and even entertaining preparation.

2. Pick the Right Appointment Time

Choose a time when your child is at their best, the time that best fits them. In most cases mornings are better since children are active at this time and also gain energy. Make sure the appointment is not during lunch or school hours because the child can be cranky and tired. The shorter the appointment the better those intended for the first visit. After arriving at the dentist in advance, you will have the time to relax. After the appointment a small reward such as a sticker or treat can be an incentive or just to enjoy some time in a playground. Choosing the time wisely will make the experience much better and more pleasing.

3. Create a Calm Environment at Home

A good atmosphere just before seeing the dentist will provide a transition to handling the visit easily. Teach your child to practice some deep breathing or learn a simple relaxation trick to help the child relax. Make the morning of the appointment uncomplicated making sure to stick to a light routine and not be in a hurry. When discussing the dental visit do not show your own fears to your child as this makes them anxious. Travel to the office listening to soft or gentle music to help the child relax. Simply utilize a plush toy or a blanket that your child loves so that they simply feel safe and secure in the dentist’s surroundings.

4. Working with the Dentist

In choosing a dentist, look for a pediatric dentist in Escondido or wherever you live that is known to be kind and able to deal with kids properly. Dentists can have tools like a Mr. Thirsty Suction or a BIOLASE dental laser which are child-friendly, but it is better that you ask questions about it to the dentist beforehand. Allow the dentist to introduce your child to the tools and have them demonstrate them for comfort. You could also use the word tell-show-do where the dentist describes what they will do prior to doing it to lessen anxiety. Reinforce positive comments after the visit, although the visit was short, as it will make your kid like going to the dentist in the long run.

5. Maintain Good Habits After the Visit

Once the visit is over compliment your child on how cooperative and even brave they were during the visit. There should be a daily routine of dental care to brush twice a day and floss to ensure that the teeth’s health is taken care of. Talk about the visit at home in a non-threatening manner and prompt them to do the same. Well-spaced follow-up visits as suggested by the dentist will deal with emerging issues as well as establish a routine. One more time, emphasize dental hygiene every day in every aspect of life. This will make dental checkups a part and parcel of healthy living.

Conclusion

The initial dental visit can be easy and enjoyable with a few steps prior to it. You should prepare your child, choose a suitable time of the day, and establish a good environment to make the visit perfect. An easygoing dentist will help your child remain relaxed. Fixing good dental hygiene habits will carry a positive experience of visiting dentists. Making your child comfortable will help in having a healthy smile for a long time. Always remember that stress can be minimized by the preparation and the right attitude can turn even the dental visit into something that can be looked forward to.