Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for adults, let alone children. It’s important to prepare your child for their dental appointment to ensure a smooth and stress-free visit. At Ashwood Dental, we specialise in children’s dentistry and have a team of experienced kids’ dentists who are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to children in the Ashburton area. Here are our top 5 tips to best prepare your child prior to visiting the dentist:
- Start early: Introducing your child to the dentist at a young age can help them become more comfortable with the experience. We recommend that children visit the dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth eruption. By starting early, your child can become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office, making future visits less intimidating.
- Use positive language: The way you talk about the dentist can greatly influence your child’s perception of dental visits. Instead of using words like “hurt,” “pain,” or “drill,” try to use positive language to describe the visit. For example, you can say “The dentist will clean your teeth and make sure they are healthy.” Using positive language can help reduce any anxiety or fear your child may have about the dentist.
- Practice at home: You can prepare your child for their dental visit by practicing at home. Let them play with a toy dentist set or show them how you brush and floss your teeth. You can also use books or videos to introduce your child to the dentist and explain the importance of good oral hygiene.
- Find a kids dentist near you: You don’t want a visit to the dentist to be a day-long trek. It’s important to find a dentist nearby who is experienced in working with children and who can make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Ashwood Dental has a team of friendly and compassionate kids dentists who are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to children in the Ashburton area. We have a welcoming and kid-friendly office environment that is designed to make children feel comfortable.
- Make the visit fun: One of the best ways to prepare your child for their dental visit is to make it fun. You can bring a favorite stuffed animal or toy to the appointment, or let your child pick out a special toothbrush or toothpaste. You can also reward your child for good behavior at the dentist, such as letting the dentist count their teeth or brush their teeth without fussing.
Going to the dentist can be an intimidating experience for children, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, it can be a positive and enjoyable experience. At Ashwood Dental, we specialise in children’s dentistry and have a team of experienced kids dentists who are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to children in the Ashburton area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child.
