The right way to look after our teeth is one of the most important early lessons we can teach our children, and if neglected, it’s also one that can have major impacts on their overall health in the years to come.
But while your child’s first trip to meet our dentists is a very important appointment, it needn’t be scary or stressful – for mum, dad or the kids!
Being prepared is the best way to make that first appointment a breeze, so before they take the big steps up into the dental chair, take a look at these top four tips to get your kids ready for their first dentist visit.
1. Find a kid-friendly dental team
The Australasian and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends you schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or by the end of their first year of life.
While it might seem early, an appointment at this age can help you establish a good oral hygiene routine at home, and will give your kids their best chance of preventing any dental problems in the future.
Unfortunately, some people choose to put this first appointment off.
In our experience, the most common reason is that the parent has developed a ‘fear’ of the going to the dentist, which they can usually trace back to an unpleasant experience with a not-so-supportive, gentle or caring dental practitioner.
So even though they know that it’s important to get their children to see a dentist of their own, for some parents, it’s hard not to let their own experiences cloud their judgement, as they want to protect their child from any potential pain.
This is the way that many first-time dental appointments get waylaid.
Whether it’s a historical issue – and trust us, a lot has changed in the way we approach dentistry in the last 30 years – or just an unlucky recent visit with a dentist that didn’t suit your needs, the most important thing is to find a new dentist, team and practice that you trust, and that you’ll love to return to again and again.
2. Pick the right appointment time
Every child has times in the day when they’re feeling happy, well-rested, content and relaxed, and others when they’re a little tired, cranky and less likely to cooperate.
Make sure you take this into account when you book their first dental appointment.
Ideally, you’ll try to schedule it around naps – opting for times when your child has had a rest – and for when they’re not hungry, or when you’re not in too much of a rush, as this can create extra stress.
Not sure what’s best? Have a chat to our Practice Managers when making your appointment and let them guide you on the best options for you and your family.
3. Books, pictures, toys and chats
Now that the appointment date is locked in, you’ll need to ramp up your discussions about the dentist.
It doesn’t need to be anything excessive – in the weeks leading up to your visit, visit your local library to borrow some books about teeth, brushing your teeth, and visits to healthcare professionals.
You can also find some great videos on websites like YouTube which are age-appropriate and deliver these messages in an engaging way. Your child might feel more comfortable with a visit to the dentist once he’s seen Elmo and Big Bird going through the same thing.
Now that your little one understands the concept, grab a toothbrush, some kitchen equipment and their favourite stuffed toy, and have some fun creating your own ‘dental surgery’, where your child can perform dental examinations on their own stuffed toy.
Use this as an opportunity to discuss the upcoming visit with your child and explain what might happen at the appointment – for example, that they’ll get to go up on a big, special chair, where the friendly dentists at Renwick Dental are going to help them ‘count’ their teeth.
It probably goes without saying, but it’s best to avoid fear-provoking words such as ‘pull’, ‘hurt’, or ‘needle’ when talking about dentist visits. Keep it light, educational and fun.
4. Give them something to look up to
Show them how important your own dental health is, and how you recognise the importance of regular visits to the dentist. When you’re heading off on your own next appointment, be sure to explain where you’re going, what you’re doing, and why it’s so important.
Of course, it might be best if they don’t sit in the room with you during your appointment – the sights and sounds of a full adult check-up might be a little much for them, even though we know it’s usually painless and quick – but they can still learn from your example through open discussion.
Whenever practical, it’s also a great idea to have them watch you brush your teeth each morning and night.
You might even like to turn it into a game as they time how long you’re brushing for, or sing a song about taking care of your best friends – like your teeth.
Renwick Dental are the kid-friendly dental specialists
Renwick Dental offers specialised care and a range of dental services to make children’s visits to the dentist fun and worry-free.
We work together with you to make sure your child feels comfortable, confident and develops a lifelong love of oral health. Find out everything you need to know at: renwickdental.com.au
Keep smiling,
The Renwick Dental Team.
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