Parents and guardians should bring little ones to see a family dentist before they grow their first set of teeth or soon after. You’ll learn oral hygiene health tips and help your child create a positive relationship with the dental team if you start early. Here are four do’s and don’ts to make the most of this appointment. 

Do: 

Plan around the child’s schedule.

Little ones will likely have a bad experience at the dentist if their appointment interrupts nap- or mealtime. Set up this important consultation when the child will be fed and has recently had a nap, so they’re in a good mood.

Role-play.

If your child is a toddler for their first trip to the family dentist, consider role-playing the appointment. Pretend to be the dentist and go through what will happen during the appointment so your child will know what to expect.

Pretend to examine their teeth, jaws, and gums. Brush their teeth and explain that you’re removing bacteria and food bits that can eat away at the surface of the teeth.

You can even pretend to take pictures of their mouth in case the dentist performs X-rays. This seemingly silly exercise may ease your child’s anxiety and set them up for a stress-free appointment.

Don’t:

Choose an inexperienced dentist.

Always go to a family dentist when tending to kids' oral health needs. These experts know all about teeth and gums, but they also have experience addressing children’s fears. They’ll have size-appropriate equipment like comfortable chairs to keep your little one calm, and the staff will entertain the young patient to create a positive experience. 

Get complicated.

Kids ask a lot of questions, so they’ll likely pose many queries before visiting the dentist for the first time. Providing complicated answers may confuse and scare them, so stick with simple information. Instead of trying to explain teeth enamel and why flossing is good for the gums, say that the dentist will help keep their mouths strong and healthy. Encourage the child to ask the dental staff questions as these professionals know how to explain everything from plaque buildup to how taste buds work in words that kids can understand.

Parents and guardians looking for a compassionate family dentist should schedule an appointment with James Julien, DDS, in Kenai, AK. The knowledgeable staff creates a stress-free environment that people of all ages enjoy. Call the Cook Drive practice at (907) 283-4857 or visit the website to learn about their offerings, from general check-ups and hygiene tips to cosmetic services and emergency surgery.