It’s important to have a plan so that your child feels safe and at ease when they visit an office of family dentistry in Webster. Going to the dentist is essential to keep our teeth strong and healthy. So what better way to introduce your child to oral care than through regular stress-free dental check-ups? Find our list of tips and tricks for children and toddlers here.
How To Prepare Your Child For A Trip To The Dentist
Regardless of whether your child is a toddler or ten years old, there are various things you can do to make their trip to the dentist fun and relaxed.
Tips For Toddlers
Taking your child to the dentist from a young age is best to prevent future dental phobia. Make a visit to the dentist fun for your child with these top tips.
Choose Their Happy Time
Naptime probably isn’t the best time for a tired toddler to visit a new environment. A grumpy toddler isn’t going to be too keen on a dentist prodding their teeth when all they want to do is take a nap.
Book an appointment when you know your child will be awake and alert. It’ll avoid tired meltdowns and save your dentist’s fingers from the teeth of an irritable toddler.
Use Stories And Videos Before The Visit
There are many lovely stories about going to the dentist to share with your child. Try “Curious George Visits The Dentist” by H.A Rey or “The Crocodile and the Dentist” by Taro Gomi. Or, if your child prefers to watch videos, play this Peppa Pig video where Peppa heads in for a check-up.
Bring Along A Cuddly Toy For Support
Include your child’s favorite toy in the experience. Allow your child to bring the toy to the dentist as a comfort. You could also role-play a visit to the dentist with the toy as the patient. Role-play helps your child understand what to expect before arriving.
Tips For Older Children
Remind And Reassure
Older children may be more familiar with a dentist if they’ve visited them before. Remind them about the success of the last visit and reassure them this visit will be no different.
Watch Your Words
Be careful of using words that might instill fear into your child. For example, steer clear of using words like injection or drill. Instead, place a positive twist on your vocabulary and focus on the benefits, like having strong, healthy teeth.
Make The Experience Fun And Educational
Before the visit, see if your child can find some weird and wonderful facts about teeth to share with the dentist.
Bring Along A Video Game
Allow your child to bring along a portable video game or headphones to listen to music in the waiting room. A distraction will stop them from getting too anxious.
Some dentists even allow headphones with music during the visit. Always check with your dentist to see if this is acceptable.
Stay Calm And Don’t Relate Your Anxiety
If you feel anxious about the dentist, sometimes that fear can pass over to your child. Instead, relax and let the dentist lead the appointment session. Your dentist will know and understand the best ways to help your child stay happy and stress-free.
Family Dentistry In Webster That Puts Toddlers And Children At Ease
At Empire Dental Care, Dr. Cohen uses a range of gentle dental techniques that make visiting the dentist fun and fear-free. Our team introduces your child to the dental room slowly, allowing time for them to take it all in. To start your child on the right track for good oral health in a fun and easy environment, contact us online or call us at 585.671.1650.
