The American Dental Association recommends that children start seeing the dentist between the time that they cut their first tooth and the time that they start preschool. Unfortunately, the first visit to the dentist can be a frightening experience for most children. To make the appointment easier on the child, there are a few things that parents should do to prepare themselves for their first visit to the pediatric dentist Honolulu HI.
Schedule the Appointment For the Best Time
The time of day that the parents schedule their child’s appointment has a lot to do with how well the appointment will go. If the parents schedule the appointment before their child’s naptime or before their child’s lunchtime, the child will be cranky and difficult to deal with during their appointment. It is best that the parents schedule the appointment based on their child’s daily schedule.
Let the Child Know What To Expect
Taking a child to their first appointment with the dentist without preparing them is a big mistake. It might make things easier on the way to the appointment, however, when the child is in the chair, the fear of the unknown will take over. This can make it impossible for the dentist to give the child a proper exam. It is best that the parents talk to their child ahead of time about the appointment. There are plenty of children’s books available that chronicle the main character’s first visit to the dentist. These books can be very helpful when trying to explain the dentist to a child.
Allow the Child To Make Some Decisions
When a child is nervous about their first visit to the dentist, they also feel frustrated. This is because they have no control over the situation. If the parents allow their child to make some decisions, it can make things a bit easier. The decisions that the child is allowed to make can be something as simple as choosing their outfit on the day of the appointment, choosing what they will have for lunch, or choosing a toy to take to the appointment.
When it is time for a child to see the pediatric dentist Honolulu HI, it is up to the parents to make sure that the child is mentally prepared for the visit and that they understand what will happen at the appointment.
