How to Get Your Child to Like Going to the Dentist
Going to the dentist can be a little nerve-wracking, for parents and kids alike. At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we know that early experiences at the dentist can color the way we feel about dental care for life. That’s why it’s important to find a pediatric dentist with a fun, relaxing, and understanding environment.
Milestone Kids Dentistry is dedicated to providing individualized treatment for every patient. Learn more about how to prepare your child for the dentist, special needs dentistry, and more from Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and Smokey Point’s best pediatric dentist. Schedule an appointment today!
How to Prepare Yourself For Your Child’s Dentist Visit
Before you can prepare your child for their dental appointment, it’s important to check in with yourself and your personal feelings about the dentist. Kids are adept at picking up on parents’ emotions, so if you’re feeling anxious about their trip, they may mirror those feelings.
A great way to counteract this is to focus on positive communication ahead of their appointment. Encourage your child to ask their dentist questions, and let them know you are there to support them. Keeping cool and collected will help your child feel safer and more comfortable when their appointment comes.
How to Prepare Your Child For their Dentist Visit
There are many things you can do to prepare your child for a positive experience at the dentist. When you talk to your child about their visit, be sure to use softer language. For example, tell them the dentist is going to “check their smile and count their teeth” when going in for a regular checkup. Plus, we’ll help you reinforce these habits by using fun euphemisms like sugar buggies (cavities), or teeth tickling (dental cleaning) during your visits.
Be mindful about the time you schedule an appointment. While it may seem like a good idea to book an appointment right after they get out of school, your little one might be tired or stressed. This may make the visit more difficult if their emotions are running high.
Before their appointment, make sure they eat a light meal and that they brush their teeth afterward. This keeps your child comfortable and prevents them from getting a bit “hangry” during their appointment!
How to Prepare Children With Special Needs for the Dentist
If your child has special needs, you may find that they have more difficulty when visiting the dentist. There are many things you can do to help them feel more comfortable before their appointment!
Go through the physical motions of their appointment beforehand. This can help your child understand the directions from their dentist.
Here are some motions that may be helpful to practice ahead of time:
- Sitting in a reclining chair
- Opening their mouth wide
- Holding the mouth open
- Counting their teeth
- Cleaning with an electric toothbrush
You can also prepare your child by getting some simple dental instruments at the drugstore. Playing pretend with tiny flashlights, dental mirrors, or dental bitewings can be a great way to introduce your child to the dentist while having fun!
At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we specialize in behavior management for children, and we can advise you on how best to prepare your child for their next dental visit!
Best Pediatric Dentistry in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and Smokey Point
t’s normal for your little one to have some jitters about dental work. The good news is that preparing your kiddo for a successful dental visit can help them feel more comfortable! Plus, encouraging a positive perspective about dental care early on can decrease future anxiety about the dentist.
Whether your child needs preventative dental care, behavior management, or nutritional education, they’re guaranteed VIP treatment every time they visit us. Give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles with the best pediatric dentist in the Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and the Smokey Point area.
Give us a call, text us, or schedule an appointment online today!
