Is your little one ready for their first dental appointment? Scheduling your kids’ dental appointments from a young age helps keep their teeth healthy and strong for the years to come. Hence, it is important to make their first visit to the pediatric dentist a success.
In this blog, we will write down effective tips for making your child’s very first dental visit a success. Carry on reading to learn and get started on boosting your child’s oral health!
What to Expect in Your Child’s First Appointment
Visiting a pediatric dentist is highly beneficial since it allows the professional to closely monitor your child’s teeth, jaw, and mouth as they grow. In addition, your child will remain free of any dental complications with regular dental visits.
Your dentist will choose what to do during the appointments based on the age and comfort of your child. Hence, for babies and young children, the dentist might use a mirror to check the gums and teeth. During the examination, your baby can stay in your lap to stay comfortable. This is because the goal is to make the child feel comfortable during the initial appointments.
If your child is older and visiting a new dentist or has not had a dental visit in a long, an x-ray might be taken. The dental x-ray will help the dentist closely inspect the gumline and teeth. This way, they can instruct the child on how to properly brush and floss.
Tips to Prepare Your Child for a Successful Dental Visit
Here are a few tips to ensure to make your child’s first dental visit is a success:
- Promote a Positive Outlook
Children are sensitive to feelings and catch on pretty quickly. Therefore, you should stay positive regarding dental appointments. If you are nervous, your child will automatically assume bad and scary things. To prevent your child from developing dental fear and anxiety, talk about the visit in positive terms. Additionally, make sure not to make it sound like a threat for neglecting their oral health. - Explain What Will Happen
Not knowing what goes on during a dental visit might make the child afraid of the appointment and the dentist. You can try giving your child a slight idea of what to expect during the procedure. This way, they will not be taken by surprise when the dentist asks to inspect their mouth. - Introduce Them to Dental Themed Books & TV
Cartoons and books are an excellent way to introduce your child to the idea of dental appointments and make them feel comfortable. You can also browse through YouTube to make them feel more confident. When they see their favorite characters or animals going to the dentist, they will look forward to it too! - Take their Toys to the Dental Office
One way of making the dental visit a success is to bring your child’s comfort toys to the clinic. They will feel at ease and secure during the appointment. Therefore, they will remain calm and distracted if they have their favorite item with them. - Book the Appointment in the Morning
If you schedule the appointment around mealtime or nap time, it will definitely lower the possibility of a successful appointment. So much so feeling tired or hungry will affect your child’s mood and make them less cooperative. Hence, schedule appointments in the morning or when the time is suitable according to your child’s routine.
Visit a Pediatric Dentist!
You can make your child’s first dental visit a success by making sure they are not scared, hungry, or sleepy. If you are searching for a pediatric dentist in Katy, look no further! Our friendly dental team at Noble Smile Family Dentistry will make sure your child feels comfortable. Dial (281) 394-2929 to talk to us now.