Your child’s first trip to the dentist is an important step in their life, but it can be intimidating. Dental phobias can impact their oral health for the rest of their lives, so you should prepare them for a positive start. To get your little one ready, follow these tips.

How to Keep Your Child Calm About the Dentist

1. Use the Right Words

One of the easiest mistakes to make is accidentally painting the dentist in a negative light. Avoid words like "scary," "shot," "drill," or "hurt," as they can create negative associations. Instead, paint dental exams in a positive light by explaining that the staff is your child's friend, and they're going to help keep their smile white and healthy.

This also means using age-appropriate language. Trying to explain plaque, cavities, or dental X-rays can get complicated, so keep your phrasing simple. Tell your child that food can get stuck on their teeth and that the dentist removes it.

2. Practice at Home

Help your child learn what to expect at the dentist by role-playing at home. Have them play both dentist and patient, and pick up a toy dental care kit to show how the picks, brushes, mirrors, and other tools are used. Explain what each will do and then let your child use them on you.

3. Gather Comfort Items

Many children will still express some anxiety about their visit, so collect comfort items in the days leading up to it. Let them choose a stuffed animal, blanket, or toy to bring along, or have them watch a favorite TV show on your phone during the visit. This is an excellent way to help them feel protected going into the experience and can help distract them from anxiety during the dental cleaning. Just make sure to check with the office about approved items so nothing gets in the way of the hygienist.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in the Matthews, NC, area, contact Bellasera Family Dentistry. Led by Dr. Hukill, this practice has welcomed patients of all ages in Mecklenburg County since 2015. Their skilled team focuses on creating a relaxing experience, and they can provide both general and cosmetic dentistry services. Call (704) 321-7929 to schedule a dental cleaning, or visit their website to learn more about their restorative dentistry offerings.