How to Prepare Your Child to Visit a Kids Dentist [Pediatric Dentistry]

Going to the kids dentist can be a nerve-racking experience for young patients. If your son or daughter is feeling anxious about an upcoming appointment, there are some things you can do to ease these feelings. With the right approach, your child can feel more comfortable about going. This will help now and with future visits.

The importance of going to the kids dentist

Some parents do not make it a priority to schedule regular dental appointments for their children at the kids dentist. This neglect can contribute to oral health problems. At these wellness checkups, the child will get a teeth-cleaning along with a thorough examination from the dentist. The dentist can identify problems before they get worse. If necessary, treatment on conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease or infections can begin right away. Going to the dentist regularly also establishes good habits the child can follow throughout life.

Take good care of their teeth

One of the most effective steps a parent can take in a child’s dental health is to encourage good oral hygiene. From the time a child starts getting teeth, parents should help with brushing and flossing. These activities should occur daily. By the time the child can brush alone, parents must make sure it happens at least twice a day. If the child stays on top of these habits, there is much less of a chance that the dentist will find problems such as cavities at subsequent appointments.

Speak positively

Younger children may worry about going to the kids dentist because of fear of the unknown. The child may have heard stories about painful treatments or uncomfortable instruments in their mouth. Parents should reassure children by talking about how the dentist is going to help. A dental appointment should not be something the child should dread.

Take the child in ahead of time

It may be helpful to introduce the young child to the dentist and dental office before an actual appointment. A child can accompany an older sibling or parent to an appointment. This allows the young patient-to-be to get familiar with the setting and to meet the staff. The kids dentist might even talk to the child about the instruments and tools used during checkups.

Talk about experiences

Parents should not minimize a child’s anxiety or scoff at any apprehension the child may have. A parent can talk about appointments they had as a kid and how these visits helped keep teeth healthy and strong. Parents and other caregivers may even talk about how scared they were but felt more at ease once the appointment started.

Always important

You should not procrastinate making an appointment for your son or daughter to see the kids dentist. Even if your child is worried about going, make this care a priority. Follow these guidelines so the young patient can have peace of mind about the upcoming visit. Even if the child needs treatment for a cavity or other conditions, the experience does not have to be one that people fear.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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