Taking your child to the dentist for the first time need not be a traumatic experience. With proper planning and preparation, you can avoid the prospect of fearful youngsters who refuse to cooperate. When you make a good first impression, you established a precedent that makes subsequent visits less threatening and even enjoyable.
6 Tips to Make Your Child’s First Dental Appointment Pleasant
Here are six tips that can make dental visits almost as natural as a trip to the library or the park.
- See if your dentist allows you first to visit and familiarize your child with the office, staff, and dental tools. This initial experience can remove the fear of the unknown and go a long way in comforting your child.
- Take advantage of the numerous cartoons on dental care freely available on YouTube or check out some children’s dental books from the library. When they see dentistry as just another normal part of life, they begin to feel more comfortable with dental appointments.
- Make sure you play up their “grown-up” status when facing dental appointments. Children love to feel like they are graduating to higher levels of responsibility, and this experience can fill them with a wonderful sense of pride.
- Small rewards they can look forward to after an appointment can be a great motivator—maybe lunch at their favorite eatery or a new toy.
- Allow your child to sit on your lap during treatment, sharing the experience. Your dentist is an expert at putting both you and little ones at ease with playful interaction and gentle care.
- You can even encourage your child to examine the dentist's teeth for a little role-changing to alleviate anxiety and empower your child.
Dr. Brandon Aron Makes a Great First Impression on Little Ones
When you need to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, contact the dental office of Brandon Aron, DMD, in Salisbury. He works closely with you to make sure your child is at ease and comfortable while receiving care. Call today!