3 Tips For A Great First Dentist Visit
Do you have a child or young loved one who is due for their first dental appointment? You may be surprised to learn that we recommend a child visit the dentist for the first time around their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth. Do you have an older child who needs to visit our office for the first time? Not to worry! We know the last few years have been overwhelming and hectic, and the good news is it’s never too late to visit our office. We understand that first-time visitors to our office can be a little nervous, especially our young patients. We have some tips that will be helpful to keep in mind before your visit. Read on to learn more.
Tips to Encourage a Positive First Visit
Many patients experience some uneasiness when they visit the dentist, so it’s no surprise that a young child will have some nervous feelings before their first visit. We have three simple tips to help encourage a positive first experience to our office:
Introduce the Dentist
There are many resources available to help introduce the dentist to children. There are a number of great stories and videos with popular cartoon characters that can be useful. You can also incorporate what the child may see in our office into pretend play using dolls or stuffed animals. Have your child pretend to be the dentist and explain what will happen with their patient.
Schedule the Appointment Wisely
We recommend scheduling an appointment during a time that is not stressful for your child. We would avoid naptime, mealtime, or immediately after school or daycare. You want your child to feel relaxed and comfortable.
Remain Positive
Children can sense our emotions. Even if you are nervous about the dentist, be sure to speak to your child in a positive way. It is important that our office be viewed as a safe space and for children to know that the dentist is a helpful adult.
We hope these tips help you with your child or loved one’s first dentist appointment. If you are located in the Kewaskum, WI area and you or a loved one is in need of a routine examination, please call our office to schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to see you and your little one soon!