Your child has a dentist appointment coming up, and you’re worried about how they’ll handle it. Going to the dentist can feel scary for kids, and it’s normal for them to feel a little nervous.
However, it’s important to remember that oral health care is important no matter your age. Regular dental care ensures your child enjoys their best oral health throughout their life, and now is the time to help them start feeling more comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
Kohei Morita, DDS, and our team at Morita Dental specialize in pediatric dentistry. We see patients from infancy through the teenage years, and we work with children to ease their anxieties and create a positive experience that benefits them for years to come.
If you’re concerned about taking your child to the dentist, here’s what you can do to make the experience easier on everyone.
Start taking your child to the dentist early on
One of the best ways to help your child feel comfortable about the dentist is making appointments part of their routine early on. Children should have their first dentist appointment when they’re 6-12 months old, and then every six months after that.
Your child won’t have many teeth at their first appointment, but Dr. Morita and our team check their gum health and the teeth they do have. Your child’s mouth changes a lot in their first few years of life, and going to the dentist regularly helps us monitor their growth and development.
Plus, going to the dentist regularly helps your child recognize the office and our team. When it’s familiar, it feels less scary.
Prepare your child and build excitement
Along with regular dentist appointments, you can help your child feel more comfortable by preparing them for each appointment. Talk to them about what will happen at their appointment, and explain why good dental care is so important.
Make oral health care a habit at home. Brush your child’s teeth from a young age, and teach them healthy brushing and flossing habits as they grow older.
Depending on your child’s age, you can read books with them about going to the dentist to help them prepare. If you feel comfortable going to the dentist yourself, consider bringing your child along to your next dental cleaning, so they can see there’s nothing to be nervous about.
Manage your own dental anxieties
Up to 80% of American adults have some level of dental anxiety. Unfortunately, studies show that parents can pass their dental anxiety to their children.
If you get nervous or dread the thought of going to the dentist, your child can pick up on those feelings. Knowing you don’t like the dentist makes it much more difficult for them to feel comfortable at their own dentist appointments.
It’s important to avoid expressing feelings of dental anxiety in front of your child. Instead, strive to keep your conversations about going to the dentist positive. When you’re in the office, take a deep breath and focus on setting a good example for your child.
Find a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry
Pediatric dentists are specially trained in childrens’ dental care and creating a positive experience at the dentist. At Morita Dental, our team believes that going to the dentist can be something your child eagerly awaits.
With regular appointments, we help build your child’s confidence, while ensuring their teeth are taken care of well. We use the least invasive methods of treatment, and we offer all the essential dental services, from exams and cleanings to X-rays and fillings.
Going to the dentist can feel scary for children. Our team at Morita Dental is dedicated to creating a comfortable and fun experience that sets your child up for a lifetime of better oral health. To schedule your child’s first dentist visit, call our Cupertino, California, office at 408-775-7770, or request an appointment online now.