Preparing Children to Visit a Dentist for Kids

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to a dentist for kids before their first birthday. These early dental appointments play a crucial role in ensuring that your child’s teeth develop properly and stay healthy. They also help normalize the concepts of going to the dentist and of oral hygiene. Children who visit a dentist for kids frequently early in life are less likely to develop a fear of the dentist as adults.

Getting your child ready for their appointment with a dentist for kids

This article will go over a few of the simple steps that parents can take to prepare their children for their first dental appointment.

1. Stay positive

Parents sometimes transfer their dental anxiety to their kids, so they should be mindful of that when heading with their child to the dentist's office for their first visit, especially if they have dental phobias. This includes not talking about nerve-wracking dental procedures or previous bad experiences. Only bring up positive stories when talking to the child about their dental visit. This way, the child sees dental appointments as something to look forward to, not be nervous about.

2. Watch videos or read books about dental visits

A child is more likely to be enthusiastic about their dental visit if they see some of their favorite characters visiting the dentist. Fortunately, countless children’s books and videos centered around dental appointments are available for purchase or at a local library.

3. Play dental games

Parents should consider roleplaying dental games to demystify the experience before their child's first appointment. There are toy sets that include some of the equipment found at a dentist's office. Parents and children can take turns playing dentist and patient. The child can also play dentist while examining their stuffed toys.

4. Use positive reinforcement

Using positive reinforcement helps reduce any dental anxiety that the child has. Some children cry during their first appointment, and that should not be the takeaway of their visit. Try to build positive memories for the child after their dental visits. Positive reinforcement can make each visit easier for the child than the last. It also gives them something to look forward to whenever they have a dental appointment. Do something that the child loves after their dental visit to build a positive association, such as going to the park or the mall.

5. Bring their favorite toys

Bringing a child’s favorite toy or stuffed animal to their dental appointment can help keep them relaxed. It gives the child something familiar that makes them feel secure and allows them to self-soothe. Dentists for kids often have many toys in their waiting areas for this reason.

Get your child on the right track

Taking your child to a dentist before their first birthday is the first step toward safeguarding their oral health. Call or stop by our San Clemente clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drericjohnson.com or call Dr. Eric Johnson at (949) 205-1139 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist in San Clemente, CA.