Oral care should begin early in a child’s life. Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that a child’s first visit to the dentist take place when the child reaches 12 months old or soon after the first baby teeth appear.
If the child is older when the first visit takes place, parents should take time and effort to get him ready for his first dental appointment. Here are some tips that parents may find useful.
Find a Good Pediatric Dentist
It’s important that a child’s first dental visit is free of any trauma or stress. Pediatric dentists are ideal as they are trained to deal with dental anxiety in chidlren. They often use the “Tell-Show-Do” technique in which they name a dental instrument, show the instrument by using it to count a child’s fingers and then use the instrument in treatment.
Pediatric dentists also employ the modeling technique in which a timid child is paired with a cooperative child during treatment, encourage parent participation and give praises to children whenever they do something right during treatment.
Additionally, pediatric dental clinics are designed just for children. There will be toys to play with, story books to read and a friendly staff to attend to them. This child-friendly environment will definitely help children feel more at ease.
Call the Dentist first
Once the right pediatric dentist is found, call up the clinic and inquire as to a few things before making an appointment. Voice your concerns regarding the child’s first dental visit, ask what the exact procedures will be and get any tips the dentist can offer.
Set the Right Time for the Dental Appointment
Pick a time when the child is likely to be in a good mood. If the child is often moody and cranky in the afternoon, make a morning appointment. Make sure it doesn’t clash with his snack time or nap time.
Talk to the Child about Visiting the Dentist
Tell him that it is part of growing up and that the pediatric dentist will help him to have strong and healthy teeth. Let him know there will be a special chair for him and some bright lights to help the dentist look into his mouth. The dentist will also use some tools or his gloved fingers to touch his teeth during examination. Perhaps playing dentist with him at home will give him a better idea of what a dental visit is about.
Read Books or Watch Children’s Shows on Visiting the Dentist
There are books, cartoons and TV shows that depict good things about going to the dentist. Stories about tooth fairies, dentists who are friendly and cheerful and how dental visits can help kids have strong teeth can be very appealing. The local library is a good place to find such materials.
Be Positive about the Dental Visit
Parents who are anxious about going to the dentist themselves should put that feeling aside and be more positive. Avoid showing any fear or anxiety regarding the matter. A young child who senses those negative feelings will immediately suffer the same anxiety. Also, don’t talk about traumatic experiences at the dental clinic in front of children even when they sound hilarious!
Bring a Favorite Toy along
Kids often feel more secure when they have their familiar things with them. So let the child have his favorite teddy with him. Parents can also bring their favorite storybook and read it together while waiting for the dentist.
Stay with the Child during Treatment
If the child is truly anxious, the pediatric dentist will ask mum or dad to stay close during treatment. The child is very likely to cry. That’s normal and perfectly alright. Give words of encouragement and be supportive throughout the treatment.
It is crucial to prepare a child for a dental appointment, particularly his very first one. Start by finding a reputable pediatric dentist. Voice your concerns to the dentist and talk about the dental visit positively to the child. Never show any anxiety to him. Parental support will come a long way in helping children to be more receptive to the idea of regular dental visits.
Found this article useful? Read also Oral Care for Babies and Toddlers and Getting Children to See the Doctor.
 |
