Taking your children to the dentist for a professional cleaning is an important part of growing up. It’s important to keep young mouths healthy—even if the child still has only baby teeth. Visiting the dentist regularly as a child also establishes good habits that have a better chance of staying with them for a lifetime.
Visiting the dentist, even for a routine dental cleaning, can be a scary experience for kids. But there are ways you can get them ready for the children’s dentist in Amhert, NH. Here are some tips.
Start Them Young
Before your children even have teeth you can bring them into the dentist’s office for your own appointments. Getting them used to the sights and sounds of the dentist from a young age can have a positive impact that will stay with them. They can also see firsthand from your reaction that there is nothing to be anxious about.
Keep Things Simple
Don’t go into too much detail about what will happen with a dental cleaning. Doing so might raise even more questions—which might in turn raise anxiety levels. Be matter of fact about the dental cleaning and keep a positive attitude.
Watch What You Say
Words like “shot” and “pain” will more than likely scare your child. Use positive words such as “clean,” “strong,” and “healthy” to make the visit seem more fun than frightening.
Play Pretend Dentist
Role play with your child by using a toothbrush to clean the teeth on a doll or stuffed toy. You can use a small mirror to check your child’s teeth, explaining that the dentist has a small mirror to do the same. This will help your child have some familiarity with what to expect when they are sitting in the dental chair.
When it’s time to bring your kids to the dentist, take them to Dr. Kenneth Edwards, your children’s dentist in Amherst, NH, for a relaxing, fun experience!