When you tell your child it’s time for a dental checkup, you might get mixed reactions. Whether they are excited, scared, or indifferent, it’s your job as a parent to stress the importance of taking good care of the teeth and gums. No matter what your child’s attitude toward dental checkups, remember that these early visits will set the tone for all their future examinations. If you want to make sure your child has the best possible experience at the dentist, the team at ZDental has some strategies you can use to make them feel more comfortable.

 

When to Schedule the First Dental Checkup

The American Society of Pediatric Dentistry suggests taking your child to the dentist either around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. During this appointment, your dentist will examine their teeth and jaw to ensure everything is progressing normally and recommend a treatment plan if there are any issues. Of course, your child is unlikely to remember this visit, so it never hurts to reinforce the importance of regular checkups before each subsequent visit as they grow and become more aware of their surroundings.

 

Find a Good Family Dentist

Many dental offices cater to adults; others focus their practice on families and children. Some might even provide a toy or other special treat after every checkup! You will want to find a pediatric or family dentist because they are more likely to provide an atmosphere that will make children feel at ease.

 

Talk to Them About What to Expect

You’ve been to the dentist plenty of times, so you know there’s nothing to worry about. But for your child, it’s a new experience fraught with potential danger. Their friends may have told them cautionary tales; older relatives may have made jokes about the horrors of the dentist’s drill. As a parent, it’s up to you to dispel these fears. 

 

Before your child’s first few dental checkups, sit them down and talk to them about everything that is going to happen. Let them know that the dentist will simply examine their teeth and gently clean them. Although it is possible, it’s very unlikely the dentist’s drill will come out on the first few visits. Of course, you can assure your child that, if they do have a cavity that needs to be filled, the process is nearly painless and will save them the pain of tooth decay and tooth loss in the future.

 

Show Them That They Don’t Have to be Scared

If your dentist allows parents to be present during checkups, you can sit down in the dentist’s chair first to show your child there’s nothing to be concerned about. They might appreciate having you there to talk them through it. Some dentists may even allow your child to observe your own dental checkup so they can see exactly how painless and comfortable it really is. Of course, even if you can’t be in the room with your child when they are having their teeth examined, you can assure them that dentists and hygienists go through years of training and that they will always be in good hands.

 

Family Dentist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

If you are a resident of New Jersey or the Philadelphia area, know that ZDental accepts patients of all ages, including children. We have experience putting kids at ease so they can develop good oral health habits that will last a lifetime. Get in touch with us if you need family dentistry in Bensalem, PA or anywhere else nearby. Visit our contact page to find a list of our 7 locations in the greater Philadelphia area and call or schedule online today!