How to Prepare Your Child for a Dental Visit

Do you know babies are born with all 20 primary teeth below their gum line? The first tooth eruption usually takes place at the age of 6 months and babies usually have a complete set of primary teeth by the age of 3 years old.

Since oral hygiene is equally important for adults and children, it is recommended to schedule the first dental appointment for kids by the age of 2 or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Not only regular dental check-ups can help avoid various potential dental issues in kids but also ensure that your kid’s oral development is on the right track. It also helps eliminate the risks of developing some serious orthodontic problems later on in life.

However, taking your kid for the first dental check-up can be a daunting task for many parents. Going to a children’s dentist in Edmonton and seeing a stranger with all those drilling instruments and a scary dentist’s chair can lead to dental anxiety in children. Sometimes, even adults get nervous when it comes to going to a dentist. For kids, it is just a fear of the unknown. So, you can take some steps to help them alleviate this fear.

So, let’s check out what parents can do to prepare their kids for their first dental visit.

Tell Your Kids What to Expect: 

The setup of a dental clinic, in addition to meeting with a stranger, can make your kids uncomfortable. Explaining to your kids what they can expect during the treatment and why it is important to visit a kid’s dentist in Edmonton can help them relieve their anxiety. This will help children prepare their minds in advance and help them feel a bit relaxed.

Try Distraction Methods: 

Although experience teaches dentists how to deal with anxious children and engage them during the treatment, you can bring your child’s favourite toy to distract them and reduce dental anxiety. You can also tell the dentist about your child’s likings and dislikings so that the pediatric dentist in Edmonton may engage them in a conversation during the treatment. In addition, you can use your child’s favourite cartoon videos or rhymes to distract their mind.

Stay Calm: 

Since dental anxiety is common among children, you, as a parent, have to accept this and stay calm. Sometimes, it becomes difficult for kids to handle their anxiety, and they may try to express it. At times, being a good parent, you should allow your child to express their feelings. You can’t afford to lose your patience. Staying calm will not only provide your children moral support but also make it easier for them to deal with their fear and anxiety.

Tell Your Child the Importance of Oral Hygiene: 

Children don’t understand why oral care and dental visits are important in their early stages. At times, parents should try to tell them the importance of oral hygiene and how a dentist can be their good friend and help them make their teeth stronger. When you explain such things to your kids, it will motivate them and prepare their minds to visit the pediatric dentist in Edmonton. However, teaching them the importance of oral care is not enough. You should also try to make your children start practicing good oral habits at an early age.

The Bottom Line

It is natural for kids to feel anxious, especially during the first dental visit. However, ensuring that your children have a good experience can be helpful for you as well as your dentist. Make sure you find a reputable and experienced children’s dentist in Edmonton, as your choice of dentist will decide whether your child will have a good experience or not.

Wellness and Fitness

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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