Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure your child’s teeth are developing properly. Annual visits can also protect your child’s oral health by catching potential problems in the early stages. For many children, their first dental visit can be intimidating and even frightening. To make sure everyone has a positive experience, here are three simple tips to make sure your kid’s first dental exam in Lockport, IL, is a successful one.
Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit
1. Read a Book or Watch a Video
Your child probably has a lot of anxiety about his upcoming appointment because it will be a completely new experience. To alleviate some of the fear, try reading a storybook or watching a video about kids having positive experiences at the dentist.
2. Roleplay
Try playing “dentist” with your child to introduce them to some of the things that might happen at their first exam. This can include counting teeth, using tools inside the mouth, and brushing practice. Take turns being the dentist and patient, so your child has an opportunity to teach you the important points of oral health.
3. Bring a Teddy
If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, it would be a good idea to bring it along to the appointment. This can provide additional comfort and security when they sit in the exam chair for the first time.
Contact the Experts
When in doubt, your family dentist has experience working with children of all ages. To book your kid’s first dental exam in Lockport, IL, contact Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry today.