As a little kid, you probably thought dentists were scary. Maybe you still think they’re scary. Either way, that’s exactly how your child feels before going to the dentist for the first time. Hamilton Dental Associates provides a smooth transition for your little one, as we make efforts to be as kid-friendly as possible. There are a few easy ways to help ease your child’s mind on their first trip, and we want to share them with you to make your visit more pleasant.
Early Exposure
Getting more familiar with something scary is the easiest way to relieve your anxieties. If your child is exposed to a dentist’s office before his or her first checkup, it will not only feel less scary, but it can even make a first trip to the dentist exciting! Before the big day arrives, consider bringing your child with you on your appointments, so they can see what happens in a dentist’s office and get rid of any preconceived fears they might have. We boast the best dental surgeons in Mercer County, NJ, so a visit to us will help both you and your child.
Positive Comments
Especially in their early years, your children will be products of their environment. Like anything else, continually hearing negative opinions about the dentist will cause them to dread their first visit. Instead of feeding into the narrative, try to be as upbeat and positive about it as possible! This way, you can shape a positive opinion on your child, as opposed to other sentiments that routine dental checkups can be unpleasant.
Know When You’re Ready
The most important thing about your child’s first checkup is that if it’s too soon, you’ll be stuck dealing with a miserable child for the rest of the day. Make sure you schedule your appointment with plenty of time to prepare, ensuring that the little one is well-rested and all the crankiness is out of his or her system. If for whatever reason you do get to the appointment and your child’s crankiness just won’t calm down, it’s okay to cut your losses and leave. Forcing your kid to endure the checkup if they are out of control only makes life harder for you, your child, and the dentist you’re meeting with. There’s no need to rush your child into it, so wait to reschedule until they’re ready.
Your child’s first dentist trip is a hurdle that the best child dentists in the Mercer County, NJ area, the dentists at Hamilton Dental, can help you and your child get over. Whenever your child is ready, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment.
