The dentist office, like any healthcare facility, can be a scary place for children. The unknown or the possibility of pain can cause a lot of anxiety and fear.
At Central Valley Dentistry in Phoenix, we understand the importance of building a relationship with your child. After all, instilling good oral hygiene habits at an early age plays a key role in ensuring that your child grows into an adult that stays committed to their oral health for their entire lifetime.
To make certain that they’re off to a good start, there are a few things you can do as a parent. To help your child have a good experience during their first Phoenix dental visit, here are a few tips to follow:
Take A Friend Along with You
New experiences, especially ones that are potentially scary, are always easier to deal with when you have a loved one by your side. If your child has a best friend, sibling, or cousin, it’s a great idea to schedule their appointments together. They can lean on each other for support and you may be surprised at how well they handle it. If there’s no one else available to go along with your child, then schedule yourself an appointment too. You can take your turn first while your child is in the room watching and seeing that you’re okay.
Schedule the Appointment Several Days in Advance
Scheduling your child’s first appointment several days in advance will give you ample time to prepare them to succeed. When you speak with the receptionist let them know that it’s your child’s first visit. This will help our Phoenix dentist be better prepared for your arrival
Practice at Home
Begin by practicing by “playing dentist” at home. Spend time with your child when they brush their teeth. Explain to them that when they go to the dentist, they will meet new friends that will clean and polish their teeth for them.
Stay Positive
An anxious parent makes for an anxious child. To ensure that your little one doesn’t become fearful, keep your emotions in check. Even if you yourself are one of those adults that hate the dentist, remind yourself of how important it is that your child has healthy teeth and gums. Stay calm and always be positive. Watch your tone, the words you use, your body language, and facial expressions.
Don’t Wait Until It Hurts
Once your child has cut a few of their baby teeth, you should take them for their first dental checkup. Go ahead and schedule the appointment and don’t wait until your child complains of a toothache. Not going until then can allow cavities to go unchecked until they’re so severe it affects the adult teeth underneath. When your little one is in pain, they can become very fearful and not want to be touched. This situation can lead to a lifetime avoidance of the dental office because of a bad experience
Child Dentist in Phoenix, AZ
The team of Central Valley Dentistry in Phoenix would love to be a part of your child’s first dental visit. If the time has come, give us a call. We look forward to meeting you and your loved one.
