Taking your little one to the dentist for the first time can be nerve-wracking. You probably have no idea how they will react. However, there are some tips and tricks that will help. I’ve discussed them below. Let’s get to it.
Timing is Important
A pro-tip would be to be mindful of when you tell your child that you would be taking them to the dentist. Don’t tell them about the visit days in advance. The best time would probably be the day of. Why? Because if you inform them several days in advance, they would have ample time for their imagination to run wild.
Don’t be Anxious
As a parent, you’re probably aware that children can sense your fear. Your kid’s first dental check-up is a big deal, so no one would blame you if you’re worried about it. However, try and keep the anxiety under the wraps. Your little one might sense how you’re feeling and be afraid.
Find a Special Dentist
You might not benefit from booking a regular dentist. Book a pediatric dentist, instead. He would be specially trained to handle kids. So, any tantrums that your little one throws would quickly be diffused. These types of dentists aren’t too hard to find, thankfully. Most family dental clinics have them on board.
Speaking of choosing your dentist carefully, do thorough research when looking for a doctor. Big name clinics, like Vaughan family dentists stand by you and are always a good choice. Customer testimonials should tell you everything you need to know as well.
If you’re still worried about how your child would act at the dentist, you can tour the clinic the day before and speak to the doctor for reassurance.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is any parent’s best friend. Promise to reward your little one if they behave well at their appointment. It’s up to you to decide what you want to reward them with. Just remember to reward them with something that they would like.
What’s also great is, pediatric dentists are well versed in positive reinforcement too. If you booked an appointment with one, he should easily be able to get your kid to be on their best behavior.
Bring a Friend
Does your little one has a favorite stuffed toy or blanket? It would be a good idea to bring it with you. The toy would act as support to prevent your little one from getting too scared.
So, what do you think? No one would blame you for being apprehensive of your child’s first visit to the dentist. However, all the points discussed would help. If you follow them well, you should have a smooth experience. From the list, the most important point would be to choose your doctor wisely. Most big dental clinics would have special pediatric dentists. They would be trained to handle kids, so you wouldn’t have to worry about your kid being difficult as much.