When a child first goes to the dentist for a dental cleaning, there is often anxiety and resistance, which is completely normal. Thankfully, general dentists who work with children are trained to be extra patient and gentle. Additionally, they are able to provide parents with tips that can be helpful in preparing the child for their first appointment.
Outlined below are a few tips from a general dentist on ways to prepare children for their first dental cleaning. This information can be helpful for parents who are not sure where to start.
The best way to prepare a child for their first dental cleaning is to explain the entire process from start to finish. While the explanation may have to be modified to hold the child's attention, the end result can be beneficial for the dental cleaning appointment. When children know what to expect and have a good understanding of something new, they are more likely to have a better experience. Fears, anxieties and concerns can be addressed before the appointment, which can be helpful when it is time to visit the dentist.
General dentists also recommend that parents do a pretend examination of the child's mouth at home. A pretend exam gives the child the opportunity to experience what the real thing will be like during their dental cleaning appointment. Parents can carefully feel around the mouth and look at the teeth and gums, talking the child through the process so they know what is going on every step of the way.
Another great way to prepare children for their first dental cleaning appointment is to visit the dentist's office before the initial cleaning. A quick meet and greet or tour of the office can be done so the child becomes familiar with the environment and the staff. After an initial visit, the child is likely to be more comfortable with going back for their first dental cleaning.
As soon as a child's first few teeth erupt, parents can practice gentle at-home brushing. Using a small amount of kid-friendly toothpaste and a baby-sized toothbrush, parents can clean the child's teeth, so they get used to the practice early on. Additionally, it can help the child become familiar with what will happen during the dental cleaning appointment.
When looking for more ways to prepare for a child's first dental cleaning, it is best to consult directly with a general dentist. Questions and concerns can be addressed and a meet and greet with the child can be done, which can help ease fears and anxieties. To get started or to find out more, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://stamfordcosmeticdentistct.com or call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at (203) 323-1551 for an appointment in our Stamford office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Stamford, CT.
A gentle dentist is a dental professional that prioritizes minimally invasive dental treatment. While they are capable of performing more invasive procedures and may do so if there are no alternatives, they typically opt for the less invasive option. Gentle dentistry is ideal for patients who want painless treatment or deal with dental anxiety.The benefits…
General dentistry happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape or completely missing. Of course, a restoration is meant to bring the tooth back to its original shape, form, and function. However, in some cases, this is not all the way possible, making it necessary to undergo something like a dental bridge placement.…
If you think you are having dental problems, see a general dentist as soon as possible. Unfortunately, dental problems do not usually clear up on their own but tend to worsen without treatment. Learn about the major signs indicating you need to see a dentist immediately.There are many general dentists in Stamford and the surrounding…
Asking a general dentist for guidance on what to do when experiencing tooth pain is a great idea. General dentists are dental professionals who often provide their patients with helpful tips when experiencing dental problems. Since there are many reasons for tooth pain, understanding the causes is also necessary.Visiting a general dentist allows patients to…
Replacing upper missing teeth with implant supported dentures is an involved process that does require…
The benefits of visiting a gentle dentist include less invasive dental treatment, the availability of…
Understanding the difference between dental bonding and teeth whitening and how the treatment process works…
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…
Partial dentures are not designed to last forever and are prone to damage over time.…
In the unlikely event that you suffer from a significant laceration to the inner mouth,…
