If your baby is nearing their first birthday it’s time to think about scheduling baby’s first dentist appointment! The enthusiastic kids dentists at Alaska Dentistry for Kids specialize in children’s oral care, and there’s no better place in Anchorage to introduce your little one to scheduled dental care. While many adults have anxiety about visiting the dentist, the way a child perceives their first dental appointment is greatly influenced by how they’re prepared by their parents.

Follow these 3 helpful tips from the kids dentists at Alaska Dentistry for Kids and you (and your little one) are sure to have a smooth first dental exam: 

• Keep Your Anxiety Under Wraps: Kid’s dental care is usually easy and non-invasive, but when parents are anxious and stressed kids tend to pick up on that and follow suit. If you treat dental appointments like they’re no big deal, talk positively about your own experiences at the dentist, and keep anxiety at bay, your kiddo will have a much easier time. 
• Play Kids Dentist At Home: During your daily oral care routine take turns “playing dentist” with your kids. Let them look at your teeth and pretend to be the dentist, then switch roles and play dentist as you help them with their everyday teeth cleaning. Games help kids build familiarity with new ideas, terms, and experiences! 
• Bring Them Along: If you have older children, see if your kid’s dentist will allow you to bring your younger children to their teeth cleaning appointments. Seeing their cool older siblings stay calm during their dental appointment will help them feel like it’s okay. If you don’t have older children, have your little one tag along to your teeth cleaning to show them that there’s nothing to be afraid of! 

When it’s time to schedule your little ones first kid’s dental care appointment, call Alaska Dentistry for Kids at (907) 274-2525 or visit them online now.