When the time comes to go to the dentist’s office, many people get cold feet. This is unfortunate, as fear can prevent people from getting the treatment and care that they need. If you avoid going to the dentist, a small cavity or need for cleaning can turn into a much larger problem, like the need for an extraction and root canal.
When you have kids, you want to start them out on the right foot with the dentist. Going to the dentist can be a strange experience for your child, which is why it is important to prepare ahead of time.
Our Tips for Bringing Your Child to the Dental Health Clinic
Start early
Most dentists recommend that you bring your child at around age one or when the first tooth is visible. Not only will this give your dentist the opportunity to catch any problems, it will also let your child become accustomed to the dentist’s chair early on. If you start at a later time, your kid will probably have deeper dental problems to face. This can be totally compromising and incovenient. Additionally, the expenses can give you a hard time unless you apply for dental plans.
Don’t Go into Detail
Your child does not need a full scientific explanation of what the dentist will do and why. A simple explanation that the dentist is going to look at and clean the teeth will be fine. Too much detail can cause a scary information overload for your child. Later, if he or she has questions, you can answer.
Be Positive
Many adults enter the dentist’s office with premonitions of doom and cavities. Don’t project that on your child. Tell your child that the dentist wants to see how strong his or her teeth are, or how many teeth they have. Keep it upbeat and focus on things that will make your child proud to visit the dentist.
Make Connections with Dental Health Experts
Your dentist can assist you with encouraging your child to maintain good dental hygiene at home. Have your child discuss with the dentist how often he or she brushes his or her teeth, and explain the connection between at home cleaning and what the dentist does.
If you help your child build a good relationship with dental care early on, you will be setting him or her on the path of great dental hygiene for life. Call Sherwood Dental today to book an appointment for your child.
