For most kids, there is something innately frightening about a visit to a dental clinic. Whether it’s the unusual noises some pieces of dental equipment make or the antiseptic smell often associated with pain, there is just something about it that makes even adults anxious. However, there are ways you can make each session more bearable for your toddler. Listed below are some of them.

3 Ways to Make a Visit to the Dental Clinic Easier for Your Kid

1. Start Them Young

The earlier they get to experience a dental appointment, the better. This is especially true if you have a good children’s dentist who knows how to handle different types of kids, and the first several visits are pain-free. You can start them at age one or as soon as the first tooth becomes visible.

2. Keep It Simple

When discussing an upcoming visit to a dental clinic, try not to be too detailed about the specifics. It’s difficult to predict what ideas or even words can trigger fear on kids, so it’s better to keep it simple. Stay positive but don’t make promises or guarantees you can’t keep, because if they feel betrayed, they might lose trust in you and the dentist.

3. Set an Appointment for the Whole Family

Make an affair out of it. Kids will feel more comfortable about their own turn at the dentist’s chair if they see you or their older sibling going through a procedure first. Toddlers, in particular, often look up to older figures and like to emulate them, so seeing you being brave during your turn can give them a much-needed boost in confidence.

If you’re looking for a dental clinic you can bring your child to, get in touch with Brandi Prather, DMD, PSC in Somerset, KY. This trusted pediatric dentist has been helping Kentucky’s youth achieve and maintain excellent oral health for more than 10 years. From dental cleaning to tooth fillings, she can help ease your child’s anxiety. Call (606) 679-5437 to schedule an appointment or visit her Facebook page today.