Preparing Your Child for a Visit to the Dentist

a little girl at the orthodontist pretending to brush her stuffed animals teeth

Preparing Your Child for a Dental Visit

We all know that regular visits to a dentist are a crucial part of helping a child develop healthy, strong teeth and a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, though, children aren’t always so receptive to the idea! While a dentist doesn’t actually pose anything to be scared of, many children feel anxious or scared of visiting the dentist’s office – and as a parent, it can be difficult to know how to help a child through these feelings. There are things you can do, though, and with some preparation and the right pediatric dentist, it’s possible that a trip to the dentist’s can be a fun, enjoyable experience!

Tips for Children’s Dental Visits

  • Talk and ListenWithout a doubt, the first and most important thing you can do is to talk with and listen to your child. Explain what the visit will be like to your child, and encourage them to open up about any feelings they’re having around the visit. If they are feeling scared or anxious, listen to their concerns and tell them that it’s ok to feel that way – but there’s nothing to be afraid of. Throughout the conversation, try to take a calm, comforting tone so they don’t pick up on any anxiety from you.
  • Bring SupportDoes your child have a favorite blankie, stuffed animal, or toy? Then by all means, bring it with you! Having familiar objects for support can help a child feel comfortable in the unfamiliar environment of the office.
  • Give a PrizeOnce your child finishes with the visit, it’s important to give them a special treat or prize for their time at the office. Not only will this help them feel better about the whole experience, but it will encourage them to link the dentist’s office with positivity and fun. If you’re visiting a good pediatric dentist, chances are they’ll have plenty of prizes and treats on hand – but it never hurts to bring your own just in case.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Chapel Hill Pediatric Dentist

Perhaps the best thing you can do to prepare your child for a dental visit, though, is to choose a great pediatric dentist! At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve helped countless kids throughout the Chapel Hill areas develop beautiful, healthy smiles that last them a lifetime. We have years of experience working with children of all ages and personalities, and we’ve developed a unique set of skills and a relaxed approach to care that lets us make every visit a pleasant experience for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about our practice or come in for a visit, we encourage you to call us at 919-933-1007, reach out to us at our contact page, or request an appointment online at our Chapel Hill, NC practice. We can’t wait to hear from you!