Going To The Dentist: Tips for Children & Parents

Some of the questions I get asked most often around summertime are things about kids.

Parents ask me, "When do I bring my kids in for their first dental appointment?" or "How can I make sure my kids have a good dental experience?"

1️⃣ The American Dental Association recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. If your child is mature enough to sit in a chair, open their mouth, and follow direction, we would love to see them and start creating a positive dental experience for them! Each time they come back they're going to establish a relationship with our staff and feel more comfortable each time.

2️⃣ Your perceptions and attitudes as a parent about the dentist (negative or positive) will definitely impact how your child feels about going to the dentist. If you've had a bad dental experience in the past or experience dental anxiety, I encourage you to be very careful about introducing fear or dental anxiety to your child. If you've had positive experiences by all means - talk a lot about it and get them excited! It should be a positive, happy experience for your child.

3️⃣ If you want to avoid a lot of strife in your child's life (and save some money) AVOID sugary beverages and candy as much as possible. Make these a special treat that is only a once-in-awhile type of thing and not a daily expectation. The best way to do this is to NOT keep it in your home. It's a proven fact - sugar DOES cause cavities, and it makes it a little easier to prevent them when you don't have them readily accessible.

4️⃣ Talk in broad strokes. If your child does have to come in to get fillings or any other type of dental procedure, don't overwhelm them by talking about everything that is going to happen. Our trained staff will communicate with them and care for them to the very best of our ability in order to give them a positive, non-fearful dental experience.

Kids are some of our favorite patients at New Horizons Dental Care! Especially when we can start them young and grow them into really confident, happy patients with positive dental experiences. Be sure to get your kiddos scheduled before summer ends ➡️ https://buff.ly/2XHxKsI

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