Share:

Part of keeping your kids' mouths clean and cavity-free includes annual visits to the dentist. However, some children can feel slightly fearful or anxious about the appointment. To help establish a healthy mindset toward professional dental care, engage in a few simple at-home tips.

How to Keep Children Relaxed at the Dentist

1. Play at Home

One simple tip is to incorporate a common dental service into everyday play. Your child may already be pretending to be a mommy or a race car driver, so why not see if they want to play as a dentist? Take turns playing different roles. Let them inspect your mouth, and then do the same for them. This bonds the idea of a dentist office with fun, lighthearted experiences, making the real appointment less stressful.

2. Talk to Them

dentistCommunication is a major part of keeping children calm. A week or two before their appointment, start small conversations with them about their teeth and oral health. Talk about why they're brushing and why they want to have a healthy mouth. Then, discuss the appointment and what they can expect. Let them know that you will be there throughout it all and reiterate that there is nothing to fear. These words of comfort will help keep your young one calm and collected.

3. Take Care of Their Needs

To improve your chances of a successful dentist visit, make sure their basic needs are met before walking out the door. Have they had their regular nap? When was the last time they had a snack or something to eat? Visit the bathroom beforehand. Taking away any potential cause of irritation will help ensure their outlook is bright and cheery during their teeth cleaning.

 

There are several things you can do to keep children calm while visiting the family dentist. If you need a new one, check out Dr. James Julien, DDS, in Kenai, AK. Whether you or young ones need dental care, their highly trained staff strive for comfortable and quick treatments. Specializing in teeth whitening, dental crowns, braces, and veneers, they can handle it all. To view their services, visit their website or call (907) 283-4857 to schedule an appointment.

tracking