Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an important step in creating a healthy dental care regimen. It can be intimidating, so you’ll want to prepare them properly and begin establishing the importance of oral health. Preparation begins at home, so use the tips below in the weeks leading up to their appointment.

How to Get Your Child Ready for Their First Trip to the Dentist

1. Establish Dental Care at Home

Your child needs to be brushing and flossing the moment their teeth come in, so build a healthy schedule right away. Brush with them so you can teach the proper techniques and begin stressing the importance of taking care of your smile. They’ll gradually understand the role the dentist plays and will know why visits are necessary.

2. Make Oral Hygiene Fun

Building positive associations with dental care is another way to get your child comfortable with the dentist. Play games while brushing and flossing and reward them for reaching milestones for their dental care habits. You can also let them pick out their own toothbrush and floss so they’ll view everything in a positive light.

3. Get Comfortable With the Dentist Office

When the day arrives, get to the dentist office early so your child can scope everything out. Pediatric dentistry practices aim to create a welcoming environment, so let your child explore the waiting area. The overall process will be less overwhelming and they’ll feel safe knowing what’s going on.

Dr. Robert N. Petrtyl, DDS and his dental care staff are committed to creating a comfortable environment for all their patients, which is why they’re one of Cincinnati, OH’s leading dental care services. They know the dentist can be intimidating and take great strides to ease patients’ worries. They offer a variety of services, including cosmetic dentistry, that you can explore online. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, call (513) 554-4657 today. For more dental care advice, follow them on Facebook.