Since most kids don’t have a lot of experience with the dentist, procedures like dental fillings can be a little intimidating. Fortunately, proactive parents can make the process of receiving dental care a lot easier for their children by doing a few things beforehand.

Here are three tips for preparing your child for dental fillings:  

• Familiarize Them With the Dentist: Kids are usually nervous around places or people they don’t know, which is why you should do everything you can to familiarize them with the dentist before their big appointment. Consider bringing your child along with you to the dentist when you have an appointment or scheduling a visit to give your child the chance to meet hygienists, assistants, and dentists.
• Use Positive Language: To avoid scaring your child, only use positive language when you talk about things like dental visits. For example, don’t tell your child they “have” to go to the dentist, but talk about appointments like an opportunity. When you attend the appointment with your child, point out everything that is fun and interesting about the office, including children’s play areas, complimentary toothbrushes, and friendly staff members.
• Give Your Child Some Control: Sometimes, kids need to have a little bit of control over their appointment to feel comfortable. On the day of your child’s dental fillings, let them choose their outfit, shoes, and hairstyle. Consider offering an incentive for calm, happy behavior at the dentist, such as a trip to the dollar store or an outing with a friend.

Does your child need dental fillings? The professionals at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage can help with everything from preventative dental care and routine examinations to root canals, extractions, and orthodontic care. For more information about their services or to book an appointment, send them a message online, or call (907) 274-2525 today.