Getting Your Toddler Ready For First Dentist Visit

A visit to the dental clinic is daunting for adults, so you can well imagine how hard it can be for a toddler. Most Canadian parents have to struggle with tantrums the first time and later too. Things get challenging when a little one sees a dentist and the array of instruments around them. A procedure can be even more painful to handle for the child and the dentist. As a parent, you can do your bit by preparing the kid for their first dental visit. It reduces the apprehension and makes the child comfortable with the concept of sitting in the dentist's chair and getting their first check-up. Here are the steps to get your little one ready for their first dentist visit.

Start early

Your child's teeth deserve good care and attention right from an early stage. It requires beyond making them brush and floss under your supervision. The best advice is to start early and schedule the first dental visit at a young age. Ideally, you should take them to a dentist at the age of two and schedule repeat visits regularly. Even if there aren't any issues, regular visits make the little one comfortable. You get the added benefit of ensuring dental health.

Talk and role play

Despite early exposure, pre-visit counseling can do wonders for the child. Discuss the importance of oral hygiene with the kid and tell them how regular checks make a difference. You can read stories and play dentist toy games to create a positive picture about the entire practice. Make the appointment a happy experience for the toddler, and they will not see it as a scary one.

Find the right clinic and specialist

When it comes to making your child comfortable with dentist visits, a lot depends on the clinic. Look for a clinic specializing in pediatric care because the professionals there will know how to handle the anxiety and apprehensions of your little one. Fortunately, you can find such clinics around Canada. You can easily find an Edmonton Dentist for children if you live in this part of the country. Talk to the specialist before the appointment and share your concerns so that they can deal with your child better.

Come prepared with a treat

Your child's first dental visit is nothing short of an achievement. Make sure you come prepared with a treat to celebrate good behavior or deal with a tantrum. You will need something to keep the child engaged in the waiting room and on the dentist's chair. A new toy or game is a good idea. But avoid sweets and chocolates because they aren't the best things to give after a check-up or treatment. 

Stay calm

The first dentist visit can be as scary for a parent as it is for the toddler. The thought of a tantrum is hard to handle, let alone the tantrum itself. The best way to handle stress is by being calm and patient. Avoid pushing the child if they show signs of resistance. Threats and coercion are the worst way to deal with the situation. Make an effort to help the child relax and have realistic expectations. You can check out this dentist in redwood city for tips on how the both of you can work together to get your kid to be calm, and better yet, comfy!

As a parent, you need to make the first dentist visit a comfortable experience. It will create a positive image for the little one, and they will be happy and relaxed every time they have to sit in the dentist's chairs again.