For many children, visiting the dentist can be scary. Thankfully, Discovery Dental in Eagle River, Alaska, has a few tips to make every kid’s dental visit less intimidating. 

How To Prepare Children For Dentist Visits

Be Creative 

Tell fun stories about going to the dental clinic, and use colorful picture books to get your kids interested in having a checkup and oral hygiene. You can even use props and “play dentist” to show them what the dentist may do or say while examining their teeth. Role playing can help your kids feel more comfortable when it’s time for their appointment.

Use Positive Words 

Choose your words carefully when talking with your kids about the dentist. Words such as “hurt,” “syringe,” “pain,” and “blood” may scare them. Use positive and colorful words as much as possible. 

Explain The Importance Of Visiting The Dentist 

Using easy-to-understand words, explain to your kids that good oral hygiene will prevent them from having cavities that could ruin their smile. They should understand that the dentist’s job is the help them keep their teeth and gums healthy and strong. Many parents find it helpful to use the American Dental Association’s interactive website, Mouth Healthy™ Kids, to explain the basic principles of oral care.

Choose The Right Dental Clinic 

Look for a kid-friendly dental clinic that can help your children relax whenever they have oral checkups. The family dentist at Discovery Dental offers a relaxing and fun environment so your children may actually start looking forward to their next checkup.

The caring and compassionate team at Discovery Dental will make sure your children’s experiences at the dentist office are soothing and positive. They invite parents to join them in the examination room during appointments, and they’re always respectful of each individual family’s needs. To set up an appointment, call them at (907) 622-5437, or visit their website to learn more about the Eagle River dental clinic.