It is important that you help your child establish a good attitude toward visiting the dentist from the very beginning. Before their first visit, tell them what to expect and explain that the dentist and assistants are there to help. Listen to your child’s concerns and help them understand that they don’t need to be afraid of anything that happens at the dentist. Keep your descriptions simple and avoid using words that may scare them, including mentions of needles, pulling, or other painful procedures. Discourage older siblings from teasing the child about the dentist.
Regular Dental Visits
You should take your child to the dentist every 6 months, starting at their first birthday. These regular visits will help keep your child’s teeth strong and help you identify early signs of trouble.
Here are some tips to help make your visits to the dentist as easy as possible:
Dental visits are part of growing up. You shouldn’t offer rewards or indicate in any way that there is anything to fear.
The less “fuss” the better. It’s best to tell your child about a dental visit the day of the appointment.
If you child wants more information about the dentist, explain to them that the doctor will look at his/her teeth to make sure they are healthy.
Make sure that your child is well rested the day of the appointment.
Don’t threaten a visit to the dentist as a form a punishment for bad behavior.