Happy Visits
We recommend your child visits our dentists after their first birthday or following the eruption of their first tooth. Not only does early dental care ensure the healthy development of teeth, but it also helps your child familiarize themselves with our office and form early dental hygiene habits.
Positive Visits
A positive dental experience is crucial, especially if it is your child’s first timing visiting our office. Below you can find a list of ways to facilitate a warm and welcoming experience for your child:
- Meet with our dentists and the entire staff
- Tour your child around the office
- Allow your child to take a spin in the dentist’s chair
- Examine and count their teeth
- Allow your child to select a prize
The First Visit
We advise parents or guardians to schedule an appointment 4 to 6 months after tooth eruption. This allows our dentists to examine your child’s teeth and gums and provide necessary treatment or recommendations.
Children are like adults; they like good first impressions. At your child’s next visit we recommend:
- Avoiding the use of negative terminology: There is no need for using negative language before a child’s dental visit. Words like “needles” and “blood” can scare a child away from seeking dental care.
- Speaking positively of their dentists: Your child should view their dentists as a friend, not an enemy. Explain to your child that the dentists is there to help them not hurt them.
- Avoiding distractions: If you have other children, it might be best not to bring them with you to the appointment. They could become a distraction for both you and your child.
- Bringing another adult along: Bringing another adult to the visit can ease some of the stress and worry.
- Explaining what is to come: It is normal to fear the unknown. Provide the proper insight to your child, so they know what to expect coming into their appointment.
Books:
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- dentist-approved books are a fun way to educate your child. Here are a few of our recommendations:
1. Dentist (First Time)
Author: Jess Stockham
2. Open Wide: Tooth School Inside
Author: Laura Keller
3. Curious George Visits the Dentist
Author: H. A. Rey
4. Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
By: Scholastic
Happy Visits to Totally Dental
The happy visit is one of the things that must be done with care, so as to make your child feel safe during the main visit. This is free visit our practice offers, ensures your child has a positive association with the dentist and oral health in general. There are several tips that can promote a happy visit to a young child.
Here are a few tips to encourage a happy visit:
- Meet the dentist and dental staff
- Take your child for a tour of the dental environment
- Take a ride in the dental chair
- Play with Mr. Thirsty, Mrs. Clean and the Super-Fast Toothbrush
- Look into their mouths and count their teeth aloud
- Choose a prize from our prize box!