From the time that first tooth pops up in your wee one's mouth, you need to start thinking about heading to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends you take your kids to see a pediatric dentist around the age of their first birthday. I know I was told to go at least by the time she is three...doesn't matter when you take your child, at some point, you will be trekking to the dentist for the first time.
This can be scary. I know some adults who don't like going to the dentist, so it makes sense that your kiddo could be a little nervous about what may happen. This is where you come in. Setting the scene, getting your kid ready goes a long way in making the experience a positive one.
-- Start the conversation. When brushing, talk about what dentists are (doctors for your teeth) and tell him that just like we go for check-ups for our whole body, we need to have check-ups for our teeth.
-- Keep the tone positive. When you are describing what will happen, keep it upbeat and relaxed. Even if you are not a fan of the dentist due to nasty root canal back in 2002, avoid anything that would make him scared or nervous.
-- Play "going to the dentist." Grab that stuffed crocodile and pretend you are the animal dentist and show him what may happen while he is there (opening the mouth wide, counting teeth, cleaning teeth, and so on). Then let him pretend to be the dentist.
-- Read all about it. Head to the library and look for some of the great books about visiting the dentist. Almost every popular character has a book about that teeth check-up.
How did your kid's first dentist visit go?
We are about to make an appointment for our ds1's first appointment. I'm kind of scared!
For my older boy it was fine. For the younger is was awful. He was upset and unhappy, and then the dentist wouldn't let him get a toy from the toy chest- and I understoon the dentist's point of view- the toy chest was for whent the child behaved well, and my son didn't, but then the sadness about not being able to get a toy didn't help him look forward to the next trip to the dentist.
Monday Mantra: Saying Yes and Having Fun
- HeatherNYC
on Feb. 21, 2012 at 12:00 AM