The first visit! What to expect.
A dental office can be an alien place for a child. There are strange smells and noises. Strangers in uniforms carry sharp shiny metal instruments. Other grown-ups sit or pace around looking worried. It is hardly surprising that dentistry provokes anxiety in children. Factors associated with dental anxiety:
- The attitude of parents towards dentistry
- Child’s medical and dental experiences
- Dental experience of siblings and friends
- Type of preparation at home
- The child’s own perception that something is wrong with their teeth
Here are some ProTips on how to get your child ready for their dental visit:
- Avoid saying anything negative about the dentist or your own dental experiences.
- Don’t use a trip to the dentist as punishment for eating candy or forgetting to brush their teeth.
- Try not to promise a reward for good behavior prior to the visit. All kids get access to the toy chest after their exam!
- Pay special attention to the kinds of words you use when talking about the dental visit.
Together, we can make this a fun experience for your child and even have them looking forward to their appointments.