Children of all ages need to see the dentist for maximum overall health. You as a parent play a critical role in helping your child develop a positive and healthy attitude toward dental care. We suggest that you be completely natural, calm, and easygoing when telling your child about their first dental appointment. Your child’s behavior is often influenced by your presence, attitude, and words. Please let your child know that the pediatric dentist and their team are health care “helpers” who are interested in, and care about the child’s good dental health. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt (instead use brush, count). Do not feel that you have to over-explain the upcoming appointment. Let us handle that!
Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message to the appropriate developmental level, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child. We take pride in the success we have achieved with timid or apprehensive children. We will make every effort to help you and your child feel at ease, but understand that it takes time to build trust and rapport. Kids are our specialty, and we’ll do everything we can to make it fun and enjoyable for your child.
You can prepare your child by reading children’s books about seeing the dentist or using a battery-operated toothbrush to get your child comfortable with the sensation. Also for younger children, appointments earlier in the day when your child is well rested usually create a better experience for you and your child. Our goal is to help children have a healthy smile and a positive attitude toward dental care as they approach adulthood.
Parental presence may be necessary for the first couple of visits if the child is under 3, but in time they will be ready to do it on their own. It has been our experience that children respond better in the dental environment when parents are not present. Dental researchers support this view and for this reason we expect parents to remain in the patient lounge. So while you sit back and wait comfortably in the patient lounge, we’ll be teaching your child how to properly care for their teeth. Then afterwards, we’ll share those lessons with you, so we’re all on the same page when it comes to keeping your child healthy and happy.
Give us a call today to set up your first visit–we can’t wait to meet you!
Check out our age one visit information page to learn more about the significance of starting dental visits early.
