When it comes time for a young child to take a trip to a Pediatric dentist, they may be a bit less than enthusiastic about the ordeal. If a child suffers from separation anxiety, as they often do at a toddler age, then going to the dentist can be a bit scary and overwhelming for them. Trying some of the following steps can help a child become better prepared for their first visit.
Enrolling a child in a program such as a tumbling class, a martial arts class, or a reading program at a local library can help a child become used to being left alone for a few minutes while someone is instructing the children. This is a great way to introduce a child to separating from their parent for a short duration, making it easier to do when they see the dentist.
Visiting the dentist’s office in advance of the appointment can help the child to become familiar with the surroundings, the hygienists and the Pediatric dentist themselves. Take a trip to the dentist’s office during off-hours, such as lunchtime or at the end of the day so the workers are not too busy to pay attention to the child. The child will be able to see the dentist’s chair, and perhaps even get to sit in it to see what it feels like to be in the exam room.
Teaching the child a bit about tooth care at home can also be beneficial in helping them become excited about seeing a dentist. Crafts can be done, or colouring sheets can be filled in to help show the child the proper way to brush and floss their teeth. Sharing this information with others in the family can also make the child feel as if going to the dentist is an important event they will soon be experiencing. Encourage others in the family to ask questions about the dentist so your child can share their knowledge, helping them to feel more confident about their upcoming trip.
For more information on how to prepare a child for a trip to the dentist, visiting a web page like Carrierdentistrytx.com can be beneficial. Someone can be contacted within the office to make an advance appointment, allowing the child the chance to familiarize themselves before their real appointment.
