A healthy, glowing smile will benefit your child for the rest of their life, but it begins with regular trips to the dentist. That being said, it’s normal for your little one to feel anxious before arriving at their appointment. Thankfully, there are many ways to put them at ease. Use the following tips to ensure your child is comfortable at the dentist’s office. 

How to Help Your Child Prepare for a Dental Exam

1. Be Positive

Start by explaining the beneficial role their dentist plays. Explain to your child how plaque collects on teeth and causes decay. You can present the dentist as the hero that helps them keep plaque and harmful bacteria at bay.

Your child will feel better about an upcoming visit when they understand that it’s going to improve their smile. Remember to avoid negative words like “shot” or “hurt” so you don’t make your child nervous.

2. Role-play

Shy children may need to get used to having a person clean their teeth. You can mimic what they’ll experience during their appointment using role-play. Pretend to be the dentist. Take a close look at your child’s teeth, making sure to brush and floss them. Then, let them have a turn as the dentist.

It’s a game you can play once a week when you both clean your teeth. Your child will become more comfortable with having another person’s hands near their face and will better understand what to expect during the dental cleaning.

3. Gather Comfort Items

Help your child pick out a few comfort items to bring to their appointment. A stuffed animal, blanket, or favorite toy may help them feel safe. You can also call the family dentist to ask about bringing a small tablet to watch a movie on or earbuds to listen to music. These will distract your child from their fears and relax them before and during the exam.

If you’re exploring kid-friendly dentists in Rush, NY, schedule an appointment with Diane M. Evans, DDS. This family dentist creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere to put patients at ease. Dr. Evans provides pediatric, general, and cosmetic dentistry services and is committed to building long-term relationships with patients. Call (585) 321-1460 to schedule a teeth cleaning and visit the website to learn more about her dental care services.