Their First Visit to Erbsville Dental
Dr. Mathews believes that early prevention and education is critical to maintaining your child’s teeth for a lifetime. He wants you (the parent) to be engaged in every step of your children’s dental treatment, ask questions, and be involved because a combined effort is important. A child looks to it’s parents as an example, even imitating them at a basic level. Your anxiety can become their anxiety. Likely if you respond negatively to dental visits they will as well.
So, how do you avoid making your child’s first trip to the dentist terrifying and scary? Erbsville Dental is a good place to introduce them to dental health. They have experience with children and are equipped for children. The staff there is also trained to deal with behavioral issues and provide for children with special needs. You can add to the already positive atmosphere by bringing them in early in life. Usually before their first birthday. Many of their baby teeth will be in and ready to be properly maintained with your help. Tell them their dentist is a friend that is there to help keep their teeth healthy and strong.
Come Happy, Leave happy
Their first visit should be a short one, but a memorable one. Meeting the friendly office staff, the hygienists, and the dentist prepares them for future visits where there will already be some familiar faces. A feeling of familiarity will help reduce anxiety. Time of day can be crucial for some first timers. Many kids are restless at certain times of the day. Usually first thing in the morning after breakfast is a good time. Some kid’s also do well after they wake from an afternoon nap. You will know best when your child is happy and alert. Coming in when they’re already in a good mood helps re-enforce a positive experience.
A Powerful Influence
Make you child acquainted with what happens at the dentist by establishing your own dental routine well ahead of their first visit. Moms be aware, your anxiety towards dental care is the single most powerful influence on your baby’s attitude towards it. “It’s important if you want to have a resilient child to not transmit your own anxiety and to recognize that it’s your anxiety.” – Anxious Mom (Motherhood Forced Me to Face My Anxiety) Second to Mom is sibling influence, so keep their conversations and feelings positive around their brother or sister, avoid the scary stories they are prone to tell if possible. Finally, use children’s books designed to help them understand the dentist’s role and purpose. There are some really good ones out there. Example Below.
Let Erbsville Dental put you and your kids at ease with their approach to pediatric dental care.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accordingly, always seek the advice of your Dentist or other healthcare providers regarding a dental condition or treatment.
