Every parent wants the best for their child, including great oral health. Taking children to the dentist at an early age is crucial to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. But for the little ones, their first trip the dentist can be a little scary, filled with unfamiliar sounds, objects, and people. To help ease their anxieties, here are some ways you can help your kids prepare for their appointment.

Start Young

The sooner your child visits the dentist, the better. Believe it or not, parents should be taking their kids to the dentist as early as age 1 or when their first tooth comes in. Regular dental visits, while your kids are young, will not only benefit their oral health but also help children familiarize themselves with the dental process, helping them to reduce fear and boost confidence. Regular check ups also allows issues to be identified early, which may make treatment easier and more comfortable.

Take A Tour Of The Office.

Okay, taking a trip to the dentist is not like spending the day at Disneyland, but it sure can come in handy when preparing kids for their dental visit. A short visit to the clinic before their actual appointment provides a great opportunity for your children to meet the dentist and staff, as well as get a feel for the new surroundings.

Get Your Kids Interested

Getting kids interested about their dental appointment is a great way to help lower anxiety. You can help them learn and get excited about their appointment with a wide variety of toys, pictures, books, videos, and apps. Playing pretend dentist with your child will also help them prepare for a real dental visit—all you need is a chair, a toothbrush, a mirror, a bib, and a little imagination. The key is helping your child get a better sense of what to expect.

Stay Positive

It helps to keep a happy and cheerful attitude when talking about the dentist. Everything you say can and does have an impact on your child. Be sure to treat the visit as something positive, simple, and routine. Kids look to you for support and guidance, so you’ll want to communicate safe and comforting words like “Strong”, “Clean” and “Healthy” and stay away from words like “Painful”, “Hurts”, “Shots” when discussing about their upcoming visit. This will help them have a better attitude towards the dentist and their visit. Feel free to bring along their favourite toy or blanket to comfort and support them. If you would like to book your child’s first dental appointment today, feel free to contact Cypress Dental at 604-336-9360.