Summary:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday.
Sadly, having your little one undergo a dental exam isn’t easy! As a parent, you must work hard to get your child accustomed to the dentist’s chair.
However, the secret lies behind starting early. Once you make your little one accustomed to children’s dental exams, they’ll be comfortable visiting the dentist. As a parent, you must train your child with the basics to ensure they’re comfortable during their first visit.
Therefore, in this blog, we take a closer look at the different aspects of preparing your children during their first dental exam via topics like:
- What to Expect On Your Child’s First Visit to The Dentist?
- 5 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Visit
- How to Choose the Ideal Dentist for Your Child?
- Preparing As A Parent
So continue reading as we learn more about it in the following sections.
What to Expect On Your Child’s First Visit to The Dentist?
What occurs during children’s dental exams depends on their age and comfort level. To make newborns and young children feel safer, inspect their teeth and gums with a mirror as they sit on your lap.
For some youngsters, it may take numerous visits before they feel comfortable enough to let the dentist examine their mouth. During these initial phases, the objective is to make them feel as safe and relaxed as possible.
For older children who are seeing a new dentist or haven’t been in a long time, their dentist may take an X-ray to examine their teeth under the gumline better. They may also administer oral hygiene treatments to clean teeth and remove plaque build-up.
Following their examination, your dentist may propose preventative or corrective procedures. They may also advise your child on maintaining their dental health between appointments.
5 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Visit
1 Be Positive About the Treatment
Children might be sensitive to your emotions. If you are apprehensive about your kid’s appointment or are coping with your dental phobia, try not to show it in front of your child.
A parent’s dislike for the dentist is typically the source of the child’s dread. Discuss going to the dentist in a positive light rather than as a threat for failing to care for their teeth.
2. Explain What to Expect?
Delving into something unknown may be frightening, no matter your age. Ensure your child understands what will happen when they visit the office so they are not shocked when the dentist wants to peek in their mouth.
If youngsters connect physicians with needles or other unpleasant events, tell them that they will not be involved.
3. Educate Them Via Dental Themed Books & TV
Many cartoon characters, from Peppa Pig to Dora the Explorer, have had positive dental experiences, which may help your kid feel more secure about their appointment.
You can show your child some cartoon-like:
- Peppa Pig
- Dentist TripSesame Street
- The Whole ToothSeuss
- Check Up Day
- Dora The Explorer
- The Tooth Book
- Mr Handford Goes to the Dentist
You should have no problem locating books and YouTube videos that teach your children more about the procedure. Besides you may also consult your children’s dentist in Prairie for further ideas based on your child’s age and preferences.
4. Indulge With Your Child & Play Dentist
If your kid enjoys pretend play, offer that you play dentist with them, inspecting their teeth with a little mirror and cleaning them.
You can be their patient or replace a favorite toy when it’s their turn. (Just don’t use their regular toothbrush on the toys!)
5. Schedule A Morning Appointment
Timing your visit around naps and mealtimes might help ensure its success. Tiredness and hunger can impact children’s attitudes and make them less cooperative. Dentists understand this and will attempt to plan early visits whenever feasible, assuming it works for your schedule and your child’s routine.
It would also help if you brought toys to their first dentist appointment. You could also carry a comfort toy or other object that makes them feel peaceful and secure. Bring it along to keep them company and put them at ease at the dentist’s.
Remember, some dental facilities offer toys or kids’ activities to keep children entertained while they wait for their visits.
How to Choose the Ideal Dentist for Your Child?
Finding the ideal Pediatric dentist in Prairie Village, KS is crucial in beginning your child’s oral journey.
Pediatric dentists receive two to three years of extra training following dental school. During this time, they study child development, patient behavior management from infancy to adolescence, and how to effectively interact with special needs children.
Most pediatric dentists strive to provide a pleasant environment with toys, stickers, TVs, games, deliciously flavored toothpaste, and personnel who like dealing with children. When children have fun, they trust the dentist and staff, frequently love their visits, and eagerly anticipate their next appointment.
Where to Find a Dentist?
To discover a Pediatric Dentist in your region, Google nearby pediatric dentists, contact other parents you know for advice, or consult your child’s physician or your dentist. If you have dental insurance, you may look for a pediatric dentist on your list of participating providers.
Preparing As A Parent
To prepare, arrive on time, preferably a few minutes early, and complete any registration and consent documents that may be required. Many offices make registration forms available on their websites, allowing you to fill them out in advance.
Give your dentist a detailed medical history of your child. If your kid takes any medications, keep track of the names and dosages. Have your child’s pediatrician’s contact information readily available.
If you have any specific questions you want the dentist to answer, write them down so you remember to ask if the dentist does not mention them.
Be Patient with the Results
It is also crucial to set fair expectations for your youngster. During the visit, some youngsters may open their lips freely and like the experience, while others may not, just as some dislike receiving haircuts or wearing seat belts.
Fortunately, with proper planning and adherence to a regular recall schedule (usually every six months), the trips will get more straightforward and confident with each subsequent visit.
Takeaway
- For some youngsters, it may take numerous visits before they feel comfortable enough to let the dentist examine their mouth.
- Most pediatric dentists strive to provide a pleasant environment with toys, stickers, and TVs.
- To find a pediatric dentist in your region, Google nearby pediatric dentists or contact other parents.
- Don’t confuse yourself as a young parent! Visit our experts at Cope Dentistry for more.
