Your child’s first trip to the dentist may make both of you nervous.
Your child’s first trip to the dentist may make both of you nervous. It is a totally new situation, but knowing what to expect will help. To prepare your child, try reading them books in which the main character is going to the dentist for the first time. Treat it like a special occasion and try to get them excited. For you, hopefully reading this guide will help!
Meet and Greet
When it is your child’s turn to go back and meet the dentist, make sure you introduce them. A good pediatric dentist will go through all of the tools they will be using and explain them to your child.
Lesson Time
The next step is where your child’s dentist will use colorful, engaging props to explain proper tooth care and its importance to your child. This is also a good time for you to ask questions if you have any.
The Machines
As the dentist is cleaning your child’s teeth, they will hear a lot of noises they’re not used to. Your child’s dentist will do their best to make sure they know exactly what’s going on and that even though it’s loud, they are still okay. If your child is still feeling uncomfortable, you may be able to hold them on your lap during the cleaning, just check with the dentist first to make sure it’s okay.
Squeaky Clean
Many dentists have a stash of child-sized sunglasses or goggles for when it’s time to use the rotary toothbrush to polish their teeth. Allowing kids to choose protective eyewear for this part of their cleaning adds some fun to the appointment.
Finishing Up
Once the cleaning is done, your child’s dentist will show them how the suction works before using it to remove excess saliva and toothpaste. Then, he or she will ask you if you would like a topical fluoride treatment to be applied, in order to keep cavities out of your little one’s teeth.
The Prize Box
This will most likely be your child’s favorite part of the appointment. Your child will be able to choose from an assortment of small, non-candy rewards for good behavior. This also helps them look forward to future visits.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.