Improving your child’s oral hygiene habits early on is highly recommended. Even better is getting them excited about the idea of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist’s office. Because so many little ones feel anxious about their upcoming visits, dental toys for kids are a great way to introduce them to the world of dentistry and further explain why there’s nothing to be afraid of when having their teeth checked.
Why Dental Toys Are Helpful for Young Children
Apart from being fun to play with, dental toys are a great way for children to be introduced to instruments used in a dentist’s office. When visiting their pediatric dentist, they’ll likely see many of the same items that are commonly found in different toy sets, such as a dental mirror, toothbrush, dental scaler, etc.
Also, they are great for encouraging good oral hygiene. When playing, they can practice brushing their doll’s teeth or image they’re the dentist! This will help to lower any fear or anxiety they might have about visiting the dentist’s office.
You might also be surprised how even the simplest toys can help spark a passion. Maybe your child becomes very intrigued by the idea of dentistry and wants to learn more. These toys can be a great way to potentially put them on a track to a future career in dentistry.
What Kind of Toys Are Available?
When exploring the internet for dental toys, your search will not come back empty. There are countless kits and individual products available that your little one can enjoy playing with at home. Some you might consider include:
- Chatter Teeth
- Crocodile Dentist
- A Dentist Role-Playing Kit
- Play-Doh Dentist Drill Toy
- Tooth Models
- Coloring Books
- Plush Dinosaur with Teeth and Toothbrush
These are just a few of the countless options available on the market. No matter which type you choose, you can expect that your little one will quickly start using their imagination to step into the role of the dentist.
You will be surprised how with regular play and exposure, their visit to see a pediatric dentist may be much less stressful. Having a better understanding of what to expect, they can walk in feeling more confident and excited about the future of their smile.
About the Author
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Mira Albert leads a team of pediatric dentists who make it possible for little ones to achieve healthier smiles. By recommending helpful toys children can play with at home, she understands that positive playtime can produce more successful outcomes when visiting the dentist’s office. If you are preparing your child for their first visit, contact us at (630) 504-2223 to find out how we can help.