When your child tries something new, it can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when new people and places are involved. One of the most anxiety-filled situations is when your child visits the dentist for the first time. In most cases, the parents may be nervous as well. 

Children often get scared when they visit their dentist for the first time because of a bunch of factors, but mainly it’s because of the new environment, faces, and the situation and tools involved. As for the parents, perhaps you get nervous because of the anticipation of not knowing what’s in store in every appointment. 

This is why it’s so crucial that you choose the right pediatric dentist for your child so that they won’t have a scary dentist experience, making them look forward to regular visits and treatments. 

You’re probably here because you’re nervous about your child’s first dentist appointment. Don’t worry; our team’s got you covered. Here are some proven tips that will help keep your child calm during their first dentist visit. 

Start them young, start them early

Parents make the common mistake of taking their children to the dentist when they’re “old enough.” If you were considering this, you might need to think again. It’s much better to start dentist visits at an early age, even before their first birthday, and then every 6 months after that. 

By doing this, you’re not only teaching them proper oral care at a young age, but also getting your child more accustomed to the dentist and their office. 

Have a positive attitude 

One of the reasons kids, and even older people, are afraid of going to the dentist is because they believe that dentist appointments will hurt. For this reason, it’s essential to show your child that you have a positive attitude towards dentists by using positive and empathic language. 

You can do this by reassuring them that the experience will be fun and can even “tickle your teeth.” Avoid saying, “It won’t hurt,” since it could reinforce the idea of pain and fear, so better stay away from words and phrases similar to that. 

Be a good role model

If your child sees that you’re anxious about going to the dentist, they might pick up your apprehension and get scared as well. Even if you’re nervous, try not to show it and instead, act like it’s no big deal and let them know that you’ll be right by their side during the whole visit. 

Play pretend

Another great way to help kids stay calm during their first dentist appointment is to let them know ahead of time what they could expect. You can do this by staging a mini session in your bathroom and pretend that you’re a dentist. 

Let your kid know that their pediatric dentist will be counting their teeth, and by saying that, show them how the dentist will do it. You can also mimic the way dentists check the teeth and gums and even let your kid do it themselves or to you. This way, they’ll be more comfortable about spending time at the dentist’s chair. 

Mind the timing

If you want your child to have a pleasant dentist appointment experience, make sure to schedule their appointment when they’re at their best. Meaning, they aren’t sick or recovering from a sickness, they’ve had enough to eat, and have gotten enough rest. Otherwise, they may end up being cranky and pulling off tantrums. 

Conclusion

Taking your child to a dentist for the first time can be quite scary, but it’s quite possible to turn those emotions into positive ones. By following our tips, reassuring your child that everything’s going to be okay, and by choosing an experienced pediatric dentist, your child will have a pleasant dental experience that will make them excited for the next one!

Dentist appointments can be scary for kids, and even adults, so it’s best to book appointments with experienced pediatric dentists in Edmonton to eliminate any fears and worries. At Edmonton Smiles, we offer various dental services, such as cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, emergency dental services, and more. Book an appointment with us today!

Posted in Dental News & Advice, Uncategorized