Preparing for your kid’s first dental visit doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, the process can be fun for both you and your child.
Checking Out the Office
When you call to schedule your child’s first visit, ask if it would be okay to bring him or her in for a quick look around. This is a great opportunity for your child to briefly meet Dr. Sekhon and to get a look at the exam room. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to gauge your child’s reaction before the actual appointment. Is he or she curious? Excited? Scared? Follow up on those emotions, providing the necessary reassurance, information, and encouragement.
Play Act a Dentist’s Visit
Once at home, let the fun begin! Remember that young children learn best through play, making play time an excellent opportunity for teaching. Pretend you’re the dentist and help them recline on the sofa and practice opening their mouth wide. Using a cotton swab, count their teeth out loud.
You may also want to rub the swab against a few teeth to introduce that sensation. Don’t forget that first visits include x-rays. Pretend to take pictures of their teeth, just like Dr. Sekhon will. When their “exam” is over, be sure to praise them for doing such a good job, then switch roles. Remember to keep it fun. Building positive habits begins with positive attitudes and your child’s positive attitude about his or her dental visit begins with you.
Choose a Kid-Friendly Dentist
When the big day arrives, practice one more time and then give yourself a pat on the back. Because of your preparation, your child is going to a familiar place to see familiar faces, and this will make their experience much more enjoyable.
At Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry, we love working with children to make their visit to the dentist a fun experience. If you have little ones, bring them in today for a fun and friendly check-up!
Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sekhon or schedule an appointment online today!