Everyone has their own stories about dental visits, and dentistry is a challenging experience for many. Indeed, having professionals putting tools and fingers in your mouth to heal or care can be stressful, so many delay their dental care until the last moment. However, when you think about it, if you go as soon as an issue shows off or during a prevention visit, you expect less invasive care and the fastest healing as you wouldn’t let the issue spread and take root more deeply. Dentists believe that every individual should start to be seen by a dentist at a younger age so they will be familiarised with the care and can approach it with more ease. You may wonder how to prepare your child for the first visit to the dentist in Maroubra; follow this ultimate guide to children’s dental health to get the best experience.
Start Early
The earlier you start, the better it is for your child’s comfort. You can start from the first tooth and care about it by brushing it with a soft finger brush. This way, you get your kid used to oral hygiene and nourish a feeling of safety. Before their first appointment with the dentist, you can read the children’s book of play, pretend dentist, at home so your child will know what to expect and understand the purpose of this dental visit.
Choose a Kids Specialist
It is not easy for everyone to be at ease with children, so you must choose a pediatric dentist specialising in treating children. Those dentists have experience with children, their office will be child-friendly, and their communication will be accurate to your kids. Again, your child will understand and feel safe, which is necessary for a successful first dental visit.
Make Oral Care Fun
You will prepare your children before their first dental visit by applying positive language to everything related to teeth care. Every brushing teeth time can be fun to share with your kids. You can create a song or a pattern that will happen at every brushing time to make it appealing for kids. That helps if you brush your teeth with your children, as they love to mirror you. Associating teeth care with positive language and fun will help you prepare your children for their first visit.
Give Clear Expectation
Talk about what to expect during their first visit to the dentist, including the tools, the seat, and the mask they will be wearing. Be honest with them and let them know that it is normal if they feel a bit nervous but that everything will be fine as the “teeth doctor” is there to help them. Do not make a big deal of it if your child does not seem to be nervous. Sometimes, your feelings interfere, and being neutral with your kids is best.
Stay Calm
Kids are natural emotional sponges, and if you feel nervous or stressed about your first visit to the dentist, there is a good chance that your kids will pick up on your emotions. If you have difficulty staying calm and positive about it, you can ask someone else to go with you so you won’t communicate your stress to your children. Having a calm and relaxed person by their side is essential for them to be safe and secure.
Summary
Children’s dental health is a challenge, especially in our society, where sugar is in most food. Instruct your children on daily teeth brushing to prevent tooth infection and familiarise them with oral care. Bring them to the dentist well prepared and to a trustworthy kids dentist that will make the experience positive.
