Tips on Taking Children to the Dentist

Parents know that regularly taking their children to the dentist is an essential part of protecting their dental health but that doesn’t make it fun. Children are often afraid of going to the dentist or are uncooperative during the appointment which can lead to some difficulties.

Luckily, there are some tried and true techniques for helping children get through dentist appointments without a hitch. Here are some tips to keep in mind for taking your children to the dentist.

1: Choose the Appointment Time Wisely

Your child’s dentist appointment time can have a big impact on how the appointment goes. Try to avoid scheduling the appointment during naptime or shortly after waking up if they tend to be cranky then.

For school-aged children, you should also consider steering clear of scheduling appointments right after school ends. Your child may be too tired to get through the appointment successfully.

2: Prepare Your Child Ahead of Time

You should have a clear idea of what to expect during the appointment. Then, you can sit down with your child and talk to them about what’s going to happen at the dentist and why they should care about their teeth.

Preparing your child for the dental visit, especially the first visit, should be a gradual process. If done right, this preparation will greatly lessen their anxiety surrounding the appointment and increase the odds that everything goes smoothly.

3: Consider a Snack Beforehand

A hungry child is often a grouchy child. It’s a good idea to feed your child a snack or light meal soon before leaving for their appointment so they won’t be hungry while in the dentist’s office.

Remember to have them brush their teeth after they eat, though. The dentist will appreciate it!

4: Reward Your Child

Rewarding your child for getting through the appointment, even if it’s just in the form of positive words and affirmations, will make the next appointment much easier.

You might consider getting them a new toy or going out for their favorite food as a way to make the experience more positive. If they know they have something to look forward to at the end of the appointment, they’ll be more excited about going.

5: Choose the Best Dentist for the Job

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to make sure your child’s dental appointment is a success is choosing the best dentist for the job.

You want a dentist who will be kind and patient with your child while also being thorough enough to catch and address any problems with their teeth. Some dentists go above and beyond to make their offices child-friendly which can be a big plus when you’re deciding where to take your child.

For the best children’s dentistry in Chippewa Falls, look no further than Winn Family Dentistry. We’re a proud Chippewa Falls dental center and we’d be happy to be your dentist for the whole family, including children. Make an appointment today!