Thursday, September 20, 2012

How To Help Your Child At Their First Dentist Appointment

Parents will do anything to protect their child.  Unfortunately, there are times that your child is not going to agree that something is good for them and this includes getting the needed dental care.  Most children have a hard time going to their first dentist appointment, but there are some things a parent can do to make it easier.

The best way to show your child that dentists are not to be afraid of is to take your child with you to your own dentist appointment.  By watching you get a cleaning or the treatment you need, they will feel more comfortable when it is their own turn to go. 

It is best to take your child to their first dental visit when they get their first tooth, which is usually by the time that they are a year old.  The younger the child is and the easier it might be.  However, if your child is a little older than this, the dental provider may even ask you to leave the room.  Very often, the child may react a lot better when the parent is not in the room.

In many cases, you will be asked to sit down and hold your child so the dentist can see inside their mouth.  During this time, you will want to try to comfort and soothe your child.  While you may be a little bit upset over their behavior, you will find that the dental provider is used to just about everything and it is nothing for you to get upset over.

Your child’s first dentist appointment is probably going to be more stressful on you than it is them.  By remaining calm yourself, you will be able to help them deal with their own anxiety.  The thing to remember is that good dental care is important and you are helping them to be healthier.