Going to the dentist for the first time is a pretty momentous occasion. Taking care of your oral health is very important, and the sooner you can start teaching your child how to maintain their teeth and gums, the better. This could be the beginning of a lifelong habit that your child carries with them for years to come.

If you've made a dental appointment for your little one and want to make sure they're prepared for the visit, read through the tips below so you'll know how to get them excited about the event.

Watch Educational Videos Online

The Internet has a ton of resources that you can use to educate your child and give them a better idea of what to expect. You can watch a video such as this one to give your toddler or young child a great example of how things will go once they get to the dentist's office.

Visuals are excellent learning tools for children. Seeing another person who is close to their age enjoy a visit with the dentist can actually help your child fight through any lingering fears and start looking forward to the big day with a sense of anticipation. Your little one might be so pumped about the appointment that they can't seem to talk about anything else!

Do a Mock Session at Home

The dentist's office might seem a bit frightening when you are looking at it through a child's eyes. The bright lights, large chair and looming stranger who is ready to peer into their mouths can seem very scary if you've never been through it before.

You can alleviate some of the nervous tension that your child may be feeling by setting up a mock dental session at home. Many of your everyday household items can serve as the perfect props when you want to recreate the dentist's office from the comfort of your own home. Gather a couple of lamps together to mimic the fluorescent lighting in the dental office. Stack a few magazines on a chair from the kitchen table to set the stage for the reception area. Pretend to be a dentist and have fun examining your child's teeth. End it with a tasty treat and you should be all set!

Preparation leads to confidence and excitement. Follow these suggestions so your child will be ready to go when it's time to head to the dentist.

Share