As an adult, visiting the dentist is a routine that helps you feel refreshed and clean. For a child, the dentist’s office is scary and unknown. You want them to have a good relationship with their oral health so they can maintain a bright and beautiful smile into adulthood. Encouraging them to associate a visit to the pediatric dentist with a fun learning environment can help their experience be more enjoyable and make the visit easier for everybody involved. Learn about ways you can ease your child’s worries and fears and start establishing a positive relationship with their oral health.
Being a Positive Role Model
Being a good role model for your son or daughter can go a long way. You can do this by bringing them with you to your next semi-annual cleaning or checkup to help familiarize them with the process and see how you react to it. Let them know that a visit to the dentist is painless and helps keep your smile healthy and bright. Emphasizing the positive aspects of a visit and how great you feel afterward can ease their worries about visiting their own pediatric dentist.
Comfort and Distract Your Child During Their First Visit
For younger children, being separated from their parents in a strange new place can lead to tears and a stress-filled visit. This kind of traumatic first experience can have a massive impact on how they perceive the dentist for years to come. You can prevent this from happening by accompanying them inside, and even having them on your lap during the checkup to make them more comfortable. Bringing their favorite stuffed animal or blanket can also help them feel more at home in a new environment.
Expose Them to Dentist-Friendly Books and TV Shows
Giving them fun and entertaining ways to learn about their upcoming dentist visit can help establish a positive association. Seeing their favorite characters going in for a checkup and cleaning just like them can make them engaged, excited, and see that it’s not so bad.
Take Them to a Pediatric Dentist
Taking your child to a board-certified pediatric dentist is the best decision you can make for them. Certified pediatric dentists go the extra mile to earn their title. They complete an additional two years of specialized training, go through extensive examinations, and exhibit an unmatched passion and level of commitment to providing children with the tools they need to maintain healthy smiles into adulthood.
Pediatric dentists strive to create fun environments where your child can learn about dental care and be comfortable. They’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to serve any kind of young patient that walks through their doors. Another plus side is that pediatric dentists don’t exclusively see children—they encourage entire families to visit them, especially because they know how busy your schedule can get.
When it comes to getting your family the best possible care, pediatric dentists are the most prepared and qualified option. Easing your loved ones fears is a top priority for you, so being proactive and taking the necessary steps to do that is a no-brainer. As a parent, why put yourself and your child through all the extra stress and fear when you could visit your local pediatric dentist?
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, we have 3 pediatric dentists on our team. Our focus is to help your child achieve a healthy and bright smile into adulthood. We strive to provide your son or daughter with a comfortable and fun environment. Not only will they enjoy visiting us, but they’ll be inspired to take care of their smiles! For any questions or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit Brush Pediatric Dentistry’s website or contact 630-504-2223.