A trip to the pediatric dentist can be nerve-wracking at any age, but a child’s first visit is particularly daunting. As tempting as it may be to postpone their first check-up until they’re older, any minor issues ignored now could lead to significant problems later. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get them ready for their first appointment.

How to Help Your Child Overcome Their Dental Nerves

1. Use Positive Language

Children are quick to respond to language. They’ll latch onto words such as scared, fear, hurt, or pain, even if you’re using them positively. For example, phrases like “this won’t hurt” or “you don’t have to be scared” can still intimidate. Instead, use phrases such as “keep your teeth strong and healthy” or “show the dentist how well you brush.” You can still explain why they’re going and what happens once they’re there, but changing how you say it makes it less scary.

2. Play Dentist at Home

The easiest way to prepare your child for a dental appointment is to play dentist at home. Take turns being the dentist and the patient and exam each other’s mouths. Count teeth, brush, and floss, and you can even buy stickers, mini-sized toothpaste, and floss for a post-appointment goody bag. This will make the actual appointment seem much more familiar.

3. Start Dental Visits Early

Some parents put off making the first appointment until their child is two or three years old, but cavities can develop before this point. Instead, children should have their first pediatric dentist appointment right after their first birthday. This helps flag any early issues before they become problems, and it gets children used to visiting a dentist before they learn any negative associations from others.

When you need a leading pediatric dentist in Kodiak, AK, look no further than BridgeView Dental Group. This friendly team provides a stress-free and comfortable environment for patients of all ages, and their range of services covers everything from routine check-ups to orthodontics and emergency dentistry. Schedule your appointment today by calling (907) 486-3257, or visit their website for more information on their services. For more useful articles and dental tips, follow their Facebook page.