How to Get Your Anxious Child Ready for a Happy Dental Appointment

/in , /by

Many children feel anxious about visiting the dentist, and so do their parents! Even if you’ve scheduled an appointment with us here at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry, the top pediatric dentists in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, you may still be worried about how to make your child’s dental visit a positive experience. We’re here to help with the following tips:

1. Normalize Dental Care Early in Life

Start making oral care a normal part of life very early on. This can take the mystery out of dental care generally. Even before your baby’s first tooth arrives, you can massage their sensitive gums with a clean, cool washcloth, and then advance to gently brushing their first baby teeth. As soon as that first tooth appears, schedule their first pediatric dentistry appointment. The younger they start going to the dentist, the less scary it is.

2. Set an Example

Kids listen less to your words and pay more attention to your actions. Share your dental appointment experiences in a positive light. Brush your teeth together and show them how you floss. Make it a normal and natural part of your child’s day, with you setting the example.

3. Playtime!

If your child is anxious about visiting the dentist, role-playing, children’s books, and videos can help prepare them. For example, you can play dentist with your child and their favorite stuffed animals. Playing dentist with their own stuffed animals can demystify the experience and help them feel more confident.

4. Make a Pre-Appointment Visit

A few days before your child’s dental appointment, stop by the office with your child. Meeting the team, exploring the surroundings, and seeing other happy kids at the dentist can turn an unknown place into a familiar, friendly one.

5. Choose a Kid-Friendly Dentist in St. Johns and Jacksonville

[Practice_name] is a child-centered pediatric dental practice. Everything from our friendly, helpful staff and dentists to the comfortable, kid-friendly surroundings is designed to defuse anxiety and make going to the dentist fun! Our pediatric dentists can help your child learn great oral health habits for life. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let us know how we can help your child feel at ease.