A visit to the dentist shouldn’t be something to dread. Finding a good children’s dentist with a friendly office is one way to help your kid feel good about their visit. As a parent, the way you talk about teeth cleaning and dental care will also make a huge difference. Here is some advice on helping your child feel comfortable and calm before a dental appointment.

Preparing For A Visit To The Children’s Dentist

Model A Positive Attitude

If you obviously dread visiting the dentist yourself, your child will pick up on that anxiety. Do your best to project calm feelings; your child will pick up on that, too. Talk about how good it feels to have clean teeth and don’t lead your child to expect a teeth cleaning will be painful — it shouldn’t be!

Plan A Treat Afterward 

Give your kid something to look forward to with every visit to the dentist. This could be a toy they get to pick out at the end of the appointment, a trip to their favorite restaurant afterward, or letting them wear their favorite dress-up outfit to the dental clinic.

Play Dentist At Home 

If your child is anxious about getting their teeth cleaned, knowing exactly what to expect often helps. Use make-believe to walk your child through what will happen during a visit to the dentist. Once your child understands the basics, let them play the dentist while you play the patient. Lots of kids feel much more at ease with going to the dentist when they’ve had this chance to see what will happen.

La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry specializes in dental care for kids of all ages in Wisconsin. Dr. Jon Hanks and his experienced staff create a comfortable, kid-friendly atmosphere to lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Call the children’s dentist at (608) 782-4054 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about the services they provide.