According to the AAPD, kids should complete their first visit to their pediatric dentist by the time they turn one year old or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early dental visits are vital to monitor your child’s oral health and keep track of how their teeth, jaw bones, and muscles are developing. Good dental health in infants can help lead to healthy development in chewing and eating, adult tooth health, and speech.
Unfortunately, many people see a visit to the dentist’s office as something to be feared. Many pass that anxiety down to their children, often by accident. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. By being honest and upbeat with your child, you can create a positive experience surrounding their first dental visit.
To prepare for their visit to their childrens dentist in Vacaville, follow these five tips to ensure a positive outcome.
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The Role of Your Vacaville Children’s Dentist
It’s easy to think it’s fine to bring your child to a general dentist for their initial visit. However, children have unique dental needs that require a specialized pediatric dentist. The benefits of visiting a children’s dentist include:
- Extra training and expertise in children’s teeth and oral health
- Offices optimized for children’s emotional and physical needs
- Tools and equipment designed specifically for children’s mouths and teeth
- Experience and training to deal with children’s behavior
Tell Your Child the Day of Your Visit
Fear of what’s unknown drives a lot of anxiety, especially in children. If you’ve never been to the dentist before, it’s easy for your imagination to get the better of you. Especially if you have days to ruminate on everything that could go wrong. Don’t tell your child they have their appointment with their dentist until early in the day of their appointment. A few hours’ warning will give them time to feel prepared while limiting the opportunity for them to imagine worst-case scenarios.
Use Videos or Books that Show the Dentist
Find children’s media about the characters visiting the dentist. When kids can see characters in books or on TV doing something, they can form a picture of what it means in their minds. A good book or video will create a positive spin on the visit and give a glimpse into what happens during an appointment. There are plenty of books and videos available online through online retailers and a quick search.
Try Playing Dentist Together
Children learn through play. Creating a game about a dental appointment can be a fun way to put them at ease. Get some toothbrushes and an easy chair to create an imaginary dentist’s office. Describe what you, the “dentist”, are doing and why dental hygiene matters so much. Or, alternatively, use your child’s toy or stuffed animal and an imaginary patient.
Focus on Positive Reinforcement
Keeping positive is the most important thing you can do to prepare your child for his or her first dental visit. Use positive, lighthearted language and focus on the upside of visiting the dentist. Instead of “warning” them about what could go wrong or what bad things could happen, talk about the benefits of the dentist and having healthy teeth.
Stay positive after your appointment as well. Don’t focus on your child refusing to open their mouth or if they cried. Instead, praise them for going even if they were afraid and talk about what did go well.
Choose Your Time Carefully
Scheduling what time you visit your childrens dentist in Vacaville office will play a determining role in how well the appointment goes. Hungry or tired children are cranky children who typically don’t work well with the dental staff. Scheduling your first dental visit after nap and meal time will help keep tantrums in check and tears at a minimum.
There is no need for a child’s first visit to the dentist to be a stressful or traumatic event. While they can be scary for small kids, keeping things positive and using books, TV, and playtime to teach them what to expect will make it much more likely your first dentist’s visit is a success.
