Most people know that semi-annual dental check-ups are as important for kids as regular visits to the pediatrician. Beginning a habit of regular dental care is crucial for kids. Initiating dentist visits early is the best way to instill proper oral health care as the years go swiftly by.
An early start
It is recommended to bring your child in for their first visit at the onset of their first baby tooth at best; no later than their first birthday at the least. An early initiation into dental visits makes a world of difference in helping your child feel comfortable and relaxed in the dentist’s chair. After all, there are a lot of fun and exciting things to discover at the dentist’s office - but there’s nothing fun about painful cavities resulting from a lack of dental care!
3 easy ways you can help your child be more comfortable at the dentist:
1. Begin dental routines at home.
Help your child become accustomed to dental hygiene as a daily priority. Be sure to brush your child’s teeth thoroughly, including flossing until they are old enough to perform these tasks on their own. This has the dual benefit of acclimating your child to the experience of professional teeth cleaning.
2. Play “Dentist”.
Have fun with make-believe dental visits. Take turns pretending to play dentist, poking around at each other’s teeth with a toothbrush. Talk about what happens at the dentist, answering all their silly questions. Remind them of their favorite things about their last visit, like the nice dental assistant or the magazines they enjoyed in the waiting room.
3. Schedule a “Well Child” dental visit.
If your child is one who experiences anxiety over dental visits, a “Well Child Visit” is a great way to introduce your child to the dentist without performing actual dental work. Plus, it will give your dentist the chance to sneak peek of your little one’s teeth. These visits often help children to relax and even begin to enjoy dental visits.
We pride ourselves on creating a fun, easygoing atmosphere for even our smallest patients! We want to help your child embark on a lifetime of excellent oral health. For more information, call Whitefield Dental at (615) 889-5545 today to schedule an appointment.
For information about special offers from Whitefield Dental, click the link here: www.dentisthermitagetn.com
