Taking Your Child to the Dentist

A Fun and Easy Adventure for Healthy Smiles! Good parenting is wanting the best for your child, and that includes a healthy smile. Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health; however, we know that taking your child to the dentist can be a daunting experience. But we have a plan. Let’s frame it in a positive way. 

 The right words combined with a positive attitude can turn a dental visit into an adventure. Start Early, Start Right The best thing you can do is to bring your child into the dental office early on. Sometime around the first birthday, the first tooth will erupt. This is when you want to start bringing your child in. The early introduction to the dentist will assist your child in becoming familiar with our team and the dental environment. It will help your child build a positive association with our dental team. Here are a few ideas to help your child to enjoy the visit. 

 1) Make It a Storytelling Adventure Before your appointment, create a fun story about going to the dentist. Turn it into an adventure, a visit to the Tooth Fairy’s helper Pretend that your child is going on an exciting adventure to meet the "Tooth Fairy's Helper" or the "Tooth Superhero." Explain that the dentist will check their teeth to make sure they are strong and healthy, just like superheroes need to be in top shape to fight villains! 

 2) Play Pretend Dentist at Home Role-playing at home can be a fantastic way to familiarize your child with what happens at the dentist's office. Take turns being the dentist and the patient. Count your child's teeth and use a toy toothbrush to clean them gently. This playful interaction can help dispel any fear and make the real visit feel less intimidating.

 3) Watch Fun Dental Videos There are plenty of educational and entertaining videos available online that show children visiting the dentist. Watching these videos together can show your child that visiting the dentist can be a fun and positive experience. These videos often feature animated characters explaining the dental process in a child-friendly manner. 

 Choose the Right Time Schedule your child's dental appointment during their happiest and most alert time of day. Avoid booking the appointment during their nap time or right before a meal, as they might be irritable or hungry, making the experience more challenging. 

 Bring Comfort Items Bring your child's favorite toy or comfort item to the dental visit. Having something familiar will make them feel secure and at ease during the appointment. Some dental offices even allow children to bring their favorite stuffed animals along for extra comfort. 

 Stay Calm and Positive Children are perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. If you're anxious about the dental visit, your child may also become anxious. Stay calm and positive, reassuring your child that everything will be okay. Emphasize that the dentist is there to help and keep their smile healthy and bright. Celebrate and Reward After a successful dental visit, celebrate your child's bravery and cooperation. 

Praise them for being such a great patient and consider rewarding them with a small treat or outing they enjoy. Positive reinforcement can make future visits more exciting for your child. Taking your child to the dentist doesn't have to be a scary experience. By starting early, choosing a kid-friendly dentist, and using creativity and positivity, you can turn dental visits into enjoyable adventures. 

Remember, the goal is to instill good oral hygiene habits and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles! 

 TruDentistry of Tigard 9735 SW Shady Ln # 307 Tigard, OR 97223 

+1 503 968 1696 

https://trudentistryoftigard.com 

office@trudentistryoftigard.com