The earlier you start taking your child to the dentist, the better their oral health and oral health habits will be. Before you take your child to their first visit to the Pediatric Dentist in Silverdale WA, you should get them prepared. There are a few things that you can do to get your child ready for the first visit.
Explanations and Answers
Before you take your child to the dentist, you should explain why they need to go, and what they should expect. It is important to be honest. If you are not, your child will not trust, and may be scared to go to their second visit. If you child has any questions, answer them honestly.
Books
There are several children’s story books about the dentist. You can visit your local library or bookstore, and get a few. Read them to your child. This will make the idea of the dentist a little less scary.
Avoid Using the Word “Hurt”
A child’s first visit to the dentist is usually a very painless visit. You should avoid using the word, “hurt”. Even telling your child that the visit will not hurt, can create fear.
Take a Tour
Before your child’s first dentist visit, you should consider taking them on a tour of the office. Allowing them to see all of the fun things to do in the waiting room will make them want to come back. If the dentist allows it, you can show your child the chair that they will be sitting in. Actually seeing the office can make your child feel a bit better about the visit.
Plan a Celebration
Planning a celebration with your child that you will have after the first visit is successful is a good idea. The idea is not to bribe them to go, just to celebrate the milestone of the first dentist visit. Allowing your child to help out with the plans will make them more excited about the visit.