Good oral hygiene is important for all ages, especially for young children. A child’s first dental appointment can be scary, no matter their age, so taking some steps to alleviate anxiety in children can make the appointment go smoothly. Talking to children about the dentist can help, but there are some additional steps that can help boost their confidence as well. If you are worried about how your child will react or deal with unfamiliar dental tools, here are some tips to help them prepare.
Start The Conversation Early
Springing a dental cleaning appointment on a young child can result in confusion and major anxiety. Talking about the appointment and what happens at the dentist before the appointment can help the child feel more confident going to a new place. Explaining the purpose of the dentist, what will happen, and letting them know they can come to you with questions will help build security. A few weeks before the first dental appointment, start fostering conversations about teeth cleanings to avoid shock or anxiety on the day of.
Practice Or Play Pretend At Home
Playing pretend helps a child to learn new skills and responsibilities. Before a teeth cleaning or other medical appointment, playing pretend at home with a stuffed animal or with you pretending to be the dentist on your child can help prepare them for the appointment. Set up a pretend dental chair or allow your child to practice using fake dental tools on their favorite stuffed animal.
Choose The Right Dentist
While preparing your child for the appointment is a crucial part of a first appointment, choosing a good dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry can also help. Dentists who have experience in pediatric dentistry will know how to handle children’s anxiety around their first dental appointment and their unique needs. Kids’ teeth are different from adult teeth and may require special attention. Having a dentist who understands this and can create a calming environment will help children love going to the dentist.
Schedule The Appointment Early In The Morning
Another way to help avoid additional stress or crankiness for a child’s first dental appointment is to schedule it early in the morning. Children are often most active and awake after a good night’s sleep, so having the dental appointment early and not around nap time can be helpful. Depending on the appointment, children may have to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours after, so an appointment near lunch time could make them upset. Do your best to find a day and time that fits in your schedule and avoids unnecessary stress.
Show The Child A Dental Educational Episode
There are many children’s TV shows with educational episodes that can help teach children about scary situations. Shows like Sesame Street, Peppa Pig, Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Dora the Explorer that have episodes about visiting the dentist for the first time. There may also be other videos online that can walk a child through their first dental appointment. Finding these resources can help them digest the information easily and avoid the unknown of the dentist.
Do Your Best To Contain Your Stress
As a parent, you may also have anxiety and worry about your child’s first dental appointment. Keeping your emotions in check and limiting stress around your child will help them remain calm throughout the day. Telling your child everything is going to be ok and that a first dental appointment is completely safe can help both of your minds stay on the positive side.
Even if your child cries in the dental office or throws a tantrum while in the dental chair, pediatric dentists have seen it all. Parents don’t need to be embarrassed or stressed about their child’s behavior when coming for a first appointment.
Dental Cleanings With Jensen Dental
When you schedule an appointment with Jensen Dental, you will be greeted by smiling hygienists and receptionists who are ready to help make your appointment as comfortable as possible. Jensen Dental knows that cleanings, fillings, and other dental procedures can be anxiety-inducing for many people. We do our best to help adults, teens, and children relax during their visit while still getting their teeth sparkly clean. In addition to dental cleanings, we also offer teeth whitening, veneers, implants, extractions, crowns, root canals, and sealants. Take charge of your oral health and visit Jensen Dental today!
