1- Start them off early: My son has been going to the dentist since he was an infant. He watched us getting our teeth cleaned and of course wanted to do what Mommy and Daddy did. His first real check up was when he was about 18 months old. The dentist was his friend. The whole atmosphere of the office was about him. Just make sure you add your child to your dental insurance plan before you go.
2- Make it fun: Our Dentist’s office has a wonderful wall of artwork done by kids just like my son. They get to color, paint, draw a masterpiece that will be hung on the display bulletin board for years to come.
3- Read tooth Books: Sometimes kids start getting nervous about the dentist when they start losing teeth. Reading about why that happens and making the whole even fun can help tremendously.
4- Talk up the Tooth Fairy: Even your dentist can’t do magic, but the Tooth Fairy Can. You can print off certificates for special lost teeth- like the first one, a front one or one that took forever to come out.
5- Reward good behavior: When your child has a great visit with the dentist, it’s ok to reward them with a fun toy or visit to a playground. It’s always good to reinforce good behavior.
Going to the dentist can be scary, but when your children are prepared, it can be fun!
