Going to the dentist for the first time can be an intimidating experience for many kids. However, there are steps parents can take to make sure their child’s first visit goes off without a hitch. In Fulton County, AR, the team at Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic recommend the following advice if your child is nervous about their first dental exam.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit With a Dentist 

1. Establish Good Habits at Home

Even before your child’s first visit, it’s vital that you establish good dental habits at home. For infants, be sure to clean their mouth after eating by either using a specially designed toothbrush or a warm washcloth as maintaining proper gum health is important even before primary teeth erupt. Once primary teeth are present, show your child how to care for their teeth by brushing.

2. Lead By Example

If you express anxiety about visiting the dentist, your child is likely to follow suit. Therefore, it’s important you only speak positively about the upcoming experience. Refrain from going into too much detail regarding tools or procedures; your dentist can explain this better during the exam. Additionally, emphasize how important regular trips to the dentist are. Explain that if your child wants a bright smile, they will need to work with the dentist on proper care.

3. Make Dental Care Fun

When going over dental procedures at home, try to make the process a bit more fun. For instance, if your child is struggling with how long to brush their teeth, try playing a song that lasts at least two minutes, which is the least amount of time one should spend brushing. You can also give rewards for good oral habits, such as a trip to the park.

As a trusted family practice, Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic believes that great oral hygiene habits must be established as early as possible. That’s why these dentists strive to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere for both kids and adults, and it has won them the respect of the Fulton County community. If you’d like to schedule an appointment today, call (870) 625-3262. You can also visit them online for more information on their complete listing of services.