Nervous about how your child might act at their next dentist’s appointment? Here are seven tips to help ease your mind about minding manners.
-Make sure your child gets a great night’s sleep before their appointment. A sleepy child is going to be a cranky child, so try to make sure your child is well rested before their appointment. A visit to the dentist’s office will be much easier when your child has had a full night’s sleep.
-Bring their favorite toys and comfort items. Before visiting us, grab your child’s favorite toy, blanket, stuffed animal, or other comfort item. Having a favorite item nearby can help your child realize that a trip to the dentist’s office can be a comfortable experience.
-Feed them before arriving at the office. Be honest with yourself: Do you get irritable when you haven’t eaten for a while? Now think about how much harder it must be for kids! A small, teeth-healthy snack like carrots or apples for your kids can make your trip to the dentist a whole lot easier.
-Explain to them why visiting the dentist and keeping teeth clean are important. Try leveling with your kids about why it’s good to visit the dentist regularly and about what dentists do. Understanding dental visits can help children alleviate stress and fears that might lead to bad behavior.
-Give them something to play with or work on while they wait. It’s always a good idea to bring along a toy, a video game, or even homework to keep your child distracted in the waiting area. Before they know it, they’ll be getting called in to start their appointment with Dr. Brian T. Edwards, DDS and our team.
-Keep a calm, quiet demeanor and stay close. Do your best to stay calm, and your child will likely follow suit. It’s also important to stay near your child while you’re at the dentist’s office, so consider walking around together if they’re feeling wiggly.
-Acknowledge their appropriate behavior after the appointment. Praise is a great motivator for children, so if your child behaved well at their appointment, then let them know right away! Remember to remind them of their good behavior habits before subsequent appointments.
Does your child need a teeth cleaning? Schedule an appointment today!
