Everyone Leaves Smiling
According to AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) guidelines, infants should initially visit the pediatric dentist around the time of their first birthday or when they get their first teeth. First visits can be stressful for parents, especially for parents who have dental phobias themselves. At Smilen Dental Group, we strive to support anxious families through their first visit so everyone leaves smiling!
A Happy, Positive Experience
We continually communicate positive messages about each step of our young patients’ first visit. We start the visit with a tour of the office. We want each child to feel as happy as possible about visiting the dentist. Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Min, all of our hygienists and dental assistants use positive language and lots of smiles to help make your child feel comfortable.
Knowing What to Expect
Anxiety can be vastly reduced if the child knows what to expect. Age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist can be very helpful in making the visit seem fun. Here is a list of parent and dentist-approved books:
- The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist – by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
- Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist – Part of the “Dora the Explorer” Series.
- Going to the Dentist – by Anne Civardi.
- Elmo Visits the Dentist – Part of the “Sesame Street” Series.
Our entire team at Smilen Dental Group looks forward to meeting you and your child!
Preparing Your Child for the Pediatric Dentist
If you have a visit to the pediatric dentist coming up, it’s important to properly prepare your child in advance. If your child knows what to expect, it can help reduce anxiety and make the experience easier for everyone. Here are some practical steps you can take, starting several days before the appointment:
- Start Early Discussions: Start talking to your child about the dentist a few days in advance. Use simple, approving language to explain what they can expect during the visit. Avoid using words like “pain” or “hurt,” as these terms can instill fear or dread; instead, stay calm and cheerful to reinforce your child’s confidence.
- Read Books or Watch Videos: Share age-appropriate books or videos about visiting the dentist. This helps familiarize them with the process and environment, making it feel less intimidating. We have shared several excellent suggestions on this page to help you get started.
- Play Pretend Dentist at Home: Young children learn many things by modeling the experience. Role-play a pretend dentist visit with your child. Use a mirror to “count” their teeth and show how the dentist might take care of them. This fun activity helps normalize the experience and helps your child approach their appointment with confidence.
- Choose the Right Appointment Time: Schedule your visit to the pediatric dentist for a time when your child tends to be well-rested and in a good mood, such as in the morning or after a nap. This can help set everyone up for success.
- Bring Comfort Items: Allow your child to take a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal to provide extra comfort and reassurance during the visit.
- Reward Their Effort: After the appointment, celebrate your child’s bravery with a small reward, like a sticker or extra storytime, to help create a positive association with the dentist.
At Smilen Dental Group, we are committed to your child’s comfort and well-being. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will work with you to instill healthy oral health habits, giving your child the building blocks they need to foster a long-term routine. We invite you to contact our office with any questions or concerns.