It's natural for parents to be anxious about their child's first visit to the dentist. To help ease any worries, it's important to start preparing your child for the visit early on. Read books or watch videos about visits to the dentist with your child, and practice checking your stuffed animal with a toy mirror. Once you have scheduled an appointment, you can also take your child on an office tour beforehand to familiarize them with the entire office and staff.
When it comes to finding the right pediatric dentist, it's important to look for one who has additional two or three years of training after dental school. This type of dental care is very different from general dental care, and pediatric dentists are trained in child development, the management of patient behavior from infancy to adolescence, and how best to work with children with special needs. If you have dental insurance, you can search for a pediatric dentist in your list of participating providers. In addition to providing child-friendly environments, pediatric dentists also take specific steps to ensure that children feel comfortable and relaxed in the office.
Most pediatric dentists will try to provide a fun environment with toys, stickers, TVs, games, toothpaste with a delicious taste, and staff who enjoy working with children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children first visit the dentist before their first birthday. To make sure that your child's first visit to the pediatric dentist is comfortable and even pleasant, it's important to schedule the first visit early in the morning when young children are well-rested and more alert. Warn the dentist about any unique characteristics your child may have such as stubbornness, hysteria, challenge or fear.
This will help the dentist better control any adverse reactions. By taking these steps and finding the right pediatric dentist for your child, you can help ensure that their first visit is a positive experience.
