17 Oct 5 ways to prepare your child for a visit to the dentist

Experts recommend that your toddler’s first dental visit should be six months after the first tooth erupts or at the age of one. Make the trip pleasant one for both you and your child with these recommended steps by GPA Dental…

Pump Up The Excitement

Start by talking about how fun the visit will be, even if your child only has a few baby teeth in her mouth. Using encouraging phrases like “The dentist will count and tickle your little teeth, so they will twinkle and be clean!” will help him or her look forward to the very first dental appointment, instead of being frightened by the thought of visiting the dentist.

Say No To Fear

Sometimes, parents unknowingly transfer their own fear of the dentist onto their children. It is important to avoid detrimental phrases like “Don’t worry! It won’t hurt. I promise!” as this may create anxiety and tension for your child. You should avoid using the dentist in threats such as “If you aren’t a good girl, the dentist will pull all your teeth out!”

Make It Merry

Many parents opt to wait until their child experiences tooth trouble before taking them to the dentist. This actually sets the child up for a lifetime of fear, as the child will associate each dentist appointment with pain and stress. That is why you should ensure your little one’s first associations with the dentists involve fun, prizes and a loving environment from the get go. After the visit, treat your child to something enjoyable like an ice-cream to link a dentist visit to something he or she loves.

Trust And Likeability

Make a little time to research kid-friendly dental practices. These clinics often have advanced technologies in place for more effective and comfortable procedures. The practice you pick should also have a positive, loving environment you can trust. When you are relaxed, your little one will also be naturally at ease. Following these simple steps will help your child achieve a lifetime of healthy teeth and beautiful smiles.