Implementing good hygiene habits in your children can be incredibly frustrating. One of the best ways to do this is with regular dental visits. Dentists recommend that you start bringing your children in as soon as their first teeth begin to appear and no later than their first birthday. This will help them get acclimated to the environment at the dental office. Here are a few tips for getting your kids excited for their next dental visit!
Prepare Them for the Visit
Thoroughly explain everything that will happen during the dental visit. Discuss any of their fears with them. Be honest about what they should expect. Don’t disregard any anxiety they may have about the dentist.
Stay Calm
Dental visits might cause anxiety in your own life. Kids are extremely perceptive about these things, so no matter what happens, remain calm. Lead by example. If you aren’t calm, your child won’t be either.
Use Praise
No matter how your kid reacts to the dentist, praise them. Only use positive reinforcement to reinforce good behaviors. Punishing children for anything relating to the dentist will only make dental visits a source of anxiety in their lives.
Choose the Right Dentist
It may seem reasonable to use your own dentist for your children, but you may want to reconsider. A pediatric dentist, such as those at the Pediatric Dentistry of Burke, will be equipped specifically for children. The office will likely be painted in bright colors and there will be more things available to distract your children.
A pediatric dentist will be used to dealing with anxious children. They will know how to calm an upset child and make the dental visit as easy as possible.
For more information on getting your kids excited for a dental visit, or to schedule your child’s next appointment, contact us at the Pediatric Dentistry of Burke today.