It’s natural for children to feel nervous about their first dental visit. By preparing your child in advance, you can make it easier for them to receive dental care. These tips from Dr. Uday Shah at Sunny Family Dental in Chino Hills, California, can help children overcome dental fear and have positive dental experiences.
How to Help Kids Overcome Dental Fears
Children can become fearful when they don’t know what to expect from their dentist or have had a bad experience in the past. Here are a few tips to help put fearful children at ease:
- Set a good example for your kids to follow. Talk positively about dental visits and the benefits of having clean, healthy teeth
- Read books or watch videos that explain what dentists do to give your child a better idea of what to expect
- Choose a child-friendly dentist that enjoys working with kids. Ask a relative or friend to recommend a pediatric dentist they trust
- Let your child bring a favorite book, stuffed animal, or toy for the first few visits to help put them at ease
- Role-play your child’s first dental visit, sitting in a dental chair, opening their mouth, having you count their teeth, etc., so they see there’s nothing to fear
- Help your child develop good oral habits and talk about the importance of caring for their teeth
Oral Care Tips for Infants
Oral care can start in infancy. These simple oral care tips can pave the way for your child to develop strong, healthy teeth later down the line:
- Clean your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after every feeding or a soft infant toothbrush and water once their teeth arrive
- As your baby grows, avoid giving him sugary baby foods and drinks
- Don’t put your baby to sleep with a bottle
- Don’t coat your baby’s pacifier with sweet foods, sugar, or honey
- See your pediatric dentist when your baby’s a year old or when their first tooth comes in
To schedule dental care for your little one, contact Sunny Family Dental in Chino Hills, CA, at (909) 679-3447.
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