Preparing Your Kids for the Dentist

While going to the dentist is usually a positive experience, some children get nervous before or during their appointments. Start at home by preparing your child for their first visit, encouraging good oral health habits, and making the experience as positive as possible. Read on for tips on how to best accomplish those goals with a little help from the experts in family dentistry in Kingwood, TX.

Start at Age 3

In general, family dentists start taking children as patients at the age of 3. Call ahead with any questions, especially if it is your first child, and ask for any information that will help you as the parent feel more prepared for the visit.

Before Age 3

Before their first visit to the dentist, there is still a lot you can and should do to prepare your child and ensure their oral health and hygiene. As soon as your child starts getting teeth, you can keep them clean by “brushing” them with a gauze pad, clean wash cloth, or finger. Don’t let your baby drink a bottle in their crib at night, since it promotes tooth decay. Set a good example by brushing and flossing in front of them, and speak positively about both trips to the dentist and taking care of your teeth and mouth.

If you need additional help, some pediatric dentists will take babies as young as one to help educate parents on their children’s oral health.

Their First Visit

Before your child’s first dental visit, lead up to the day by playing dentist at home, trading roles of who plays the dentist and who plays the patient. Consider books or cartoons that include scenes at a dentist’s office. Don’t tell your child too far ahead of time about the visit, since you don’t want them to worry about it, but don’t spring it on them when they show up for the appointment, either. Most people find success by telling their child about the visit the morning before they head to the appointment.

Make It Positive

When talking to the dentist or about the dentist, use positive language that will help your child feel calm, comfortable, and safe. Tell them about the nice tooth doctor that is going to help them be happy and have beautiful, healthy teeth.

If you have questions or concerns, an expert in general family dentistry in Kingwood, TX, can help get you on the right track.