Preparing for the pediatric dentist is a challenging undertaking for both parents and children. Recently, Jen and I have been researching what other parents, dentists and dental hygienists have offered in parenting advice when preparing your little ones for their first dental visit. Let’s be honest- most of us adults do not look forward to dental visits, therefore why would our children be different? Knowing this, Jen and I wanted to really study up on this in order to make our girls’ first (and many subsequent) visits successful and stress free, if that is even possible.
When you prepare your child for the reality of the dentist and do it the right way, both you and your child will be relaxed and you will all be more likely to have a positive experience. These are a few things you can do to prepare your child for the first pediatric dentist appointment:
1. Role Play: Children love to play make-believe. Role playing with mom and dad as well as with siblings creates an experience that your child will take to the dentist’s office. Practicing in a pretend dentist’s chair makes the real one less intimidating. Your role playing should include the entire dentist office staff, like the hygienist, receptionist, and xray tech; it should also include the different objects in the office, including the prize box at the end of the session.
2. Get To Know Teeth: Knowledge is really powerful, especially for children. When they understand how teeth work, what teeth are made of, and how to care for them, children become more interested. Once children start to understand more about teeth, they will find be more comfortable asking questions at the dentist’s office.
Click here to get 5 other tips and tricks for preparing your child for their first dentist visit.
 Scarlet Paolicchi is a wife, mother of 2, and a Nashville blogger. She founded Family Focus Blog where she blogs about parenting, green tips, and giveaways! |
