To ensure your child has a healthy, beautiful smile through every life stage, instill excellent dental care habits at an early age. This includes attending in-person visits to a children’s dentist every six months. If you’re worried because your child is apprehensive about oral health, here are a few ways to reframe their experience.

4 Ways to Help Your Little One Have Fun at the Pediatric Dentist

1. Play Pretend at Home

Leading up to their appointment, walk them through their dental checkup using stuffed animals, dolls, and other toys. By familiarizing your child with the order of events and allowing them to use their imagination and have fun in the process, they may be less fearful during the real visit.

2. Use Positive Language

Children pick up on your anxiety or negative associations with dental care, so always speak about visiting the dental office in a positive manner. Talk about how exciting it is to show the dentist how thorough and diligent your child has been about brushing and flossing. Express your excitement over the visit as though it’s something to look forward to instead of something to be afraid of.

3. Choose a Fun Outfit

To shake off the jitters and add a celebratory spark to visiting the dentist, treat the day like a special occasion. Let your child pick out a unique outfit, whether it’s a costume, pajamas, or their favorite dress, so they feel confident and enthused while at the clinic.

4. Plan a Post-Visit Reward

Pair their dental checkup with another fun activity so they have something exciting to look forward to after the visit. Let them decide on the activity with you in advance, such as a trip to the park, a shopping mall adventure to grab a new toy, or time at their favorite playground.

Are you looking for a caring pediatric dentist that always goes the extra mile to ensure young patients are at ease and having fun? If so, Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates is the dental practice for your family. With a home base in Avon, OH, this children’s dentist treats young patients from across Lorain County from age 1 onward. To schedule your little one’s first checkup, call (440) 934-0149. For more information on their services and approach to fun, kid-friendly care, visit their website.