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Teaching My Child To Love Going To The Dentist
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Posted on 9/20/2016 by Cynthia Pelley |
 The idea of teaching your child to love going to the dentist may sound laughably impossible, but there are some things you can do to foster a positive relationship. Taking your kid to the dentist is important to keep their teeth healthy.
As parents, we want to promote excellent oral hygiene habits, both in daily brushing and in having dental cleanings and checkups.
To your child, a trip to the dentist can seem scary. Working together we can make lying in the dental chair more comfortable, discuss what the unfamiliar noises and tools are, and why we need to examine their teeth.
Tips to promote ease at the dentist office include:
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Take your child early: - Introducing your child early to the dentist helps promote a "we've already done this" sense. Some dentists say that they don't need to see a child until they are 3 or older, we suggest finding a family practice dentist or a pediatric dentist who is willing to see your child even younger. |
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Don't apologize to your child about going to the dentist: - It would not be helpful to your child for you as a parent to induce ideas that this might be scary. Studies have found that parents create fears in their attempt to prepare their child. We prefer for parents to just assume that this is a natural part of life and to give that impression to their child. |
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Start your child's dental hygiene habits immediately: - From before your child even develops their primary teeth, parents are encouraged to wipe the child's teeth with a clean washcloth daily. Once a tooth is present, using the tiniest amount of toothpaste, brush that tooth. Dental hygiene should be part of your child's constant routine. |
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Familiarize your child with the dentist office: - We are happy to explain tools, procedures, and the setting to your child. We can show them how the chair moves, and let them touch some tools. |
Be an early and active part of your child's oral health from day one. Please contact us if you have any questions about your child's oral health.
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