Are you a parent of a young child who dreads that first trip to the dentist? If you are, you are in the same boat as a lot of parents who dread that first dental visit. In fact, there are a lot of adults who are afraid to go visit a dental practitioner. While you are worried about taking your children to a dental visit, there are ways you can ensure your children can visit the dentist without tears and hysteria. Here are some tips for taking your child to the dentist.
Start Early
Before you even begin thinking about taking children to a dentist, you are going to want to prepare them. Start talking to the kids about what visiting the dentist is like and how important it is for you to take them to the dentist to take care of their teeth. Look for books about teeth and to read to your children to help familiarize them with dental tools, dental visits, and their teeth.
Visit First
If possible, schedule a tour for you and your children to visit the dentist. Many dental offices allow children to visit the dentist. Researchers indicate that when children are allowed to visit the dentist before an actual dental cleaning, they are not as fearful. Ask if you can visit with the dentist briefly as well so that your children can meet the dentist.
Offer a Treat Afterwards
You may want to reward your children for a dental visit by visiting a bookstore, allowing them to pick out a small toy, or visiting a shop for a small treat. If your children can equate dental visits with something fun, the journey will be easier for you. While it can take some practice and consistency to get your child comfortable with visiting the dentist, the reward of great dental health for your children is well worth the effort.