Visiting the dentist is usually not on the top of the list of fun things to do. In our office we want children to be comfortable and excited to be here. Here are four steps to insure a happy child with a great first dental visit!
- Start Early
Begin getting your child used to oral hygiene by starting to clean their gums when they are infants. This allows the child to become comfortable with someone in their mouth long before their first dental visit.
- Prevent Dental Phobia
Often times when a child appears afraid of the dentist, it is because the parents have accidentally passed their own fear onto their child. Children do not automatically associate something with fear until it is demonstrated to them. It is very important to make their first dental visit as routine for your child as going to the grocery store. By not instilling in your child that the dentist office is a scary place, they will be much more at ease for their first visit.
- Develop a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Children do not have the motor skills to properly clean their teeth. It is important to establish a daily brushing routine. Often times it is best to allow the child to brush in the morning, and the parent to brush in the evening. Placing the child in a reclined position while you brush their teeth can simulate a dental visit. We recommend that the parent should continue to brush at night until their child can write their name legibly which demonstrates improved motor skills.
- Keep it Simple
There is no need to teach your child large dental words. We try to use terms that children can relate to such as “sugar bugs” instead of “bacteria.” When brushing at home you can tell your child you are removing the sugar bugs so they don’t attack their teeth!
- Be Flexible
Often times, the first dental visit for a child can be nerve wrecking for the parent. Relax!! We may not be able to accomplish what we planned, but that is okay. A positive experience is the MOST important part of your child’s first dental visit.
We want to promote a lifetime of good oral health. It is essential to start this journey early in life. At First Impressions Family Dentistry we go above and beyond to adapt to the child’s needs to give them a positive experience to build on.
