How to Make Your Child’s First Dental Visit a Happy Memory

A child’s first appointment with a dentist sets the tone for their oral hygiene for years to come. What seems normal and mundane for an adult is usually a new and exciting venture for children so it is sensible to gauge their feelings before the appointment.

Here are five simple yet effective ways to prepare your child for their very first dental check-up from a Summerlin dentist.

Anxiety often stems from anticipation so introducing the idea of the appointment weeks before could help your child get used to the frightening idea. As a rule of thumb, always talk about the dental visit positively and encouragingly.

• Remember to explain that the dentist’s main goal is to ensure their smile stays perfect and healthy while keeping it entertaining.
• Words like “pain”, “drill” or “shot” should be avoided to not overwhelm your child before the appointment. “Cleaning Teeth” or “Checking Your Smile” does the job better.
• Start reading books with stories about good Dentists to perfectly explain the visit interestingly.

Removing the suspense too close to the appointment works wonders as well, so hold off until the last couple of days before introducing the concept to them.

Make this activity fun through a game! Assume the role of the dentist or patient to help make your child comfortable.

• Start by using the toothbrush as a tool to “check” their teeth. Remember to count the teeth in a loud voice.
• Let your child “play” dentist too by checking the teeth of their stuffed toys.
• If your child is interested, allow them to see themselves in a dental mirror so that you can demonstrate how it is used.

This fun technique allows the child to engage in an activity without worrying about the complicated procedures that are required of them.

Your child’s first dental appointment can go as smoothly as butter on any given day if the times are selected wisely.

The appointment should be booked when the child is done for the day or happy, mostly in the morning or after a nap.

Don’t try to book your visit during times when they may be overworked, starving, or irritable.

If a child feels relaxed and calm, his/her first visit to a Summerlin dentist will undoubtedly be a lot more pleasant and hassle-free.

Certain objects from your home will aid your child to feel comfortable in new surroundings. Consider bringing:

• A stuffed toy, an old blanket, or any other of their favourite toys.
• A small book that can be looked at while waiting.

Also, tell them that you will accompany them during the visit and that you will not leave their side. Your calmness and a pleasant demeanour will greatly help in soothing their nerves.

Kids tend to be a reflection of how their guardians feel. For instance, if you are anxious about the appointment, they might become anxious as well.

• Make sure to speak about the Summerlin dentist positively and make easy comments about how good he is at attending to your teeth.
• If there are queries, and they need answering, provide the response but in a soft reassuring manner.

The goal is to make the visit feel like an exciting and normal part of their health routine