Dental Health - First Dentist Appointment
April 10, 2015
The first appointment is usually a simple exam where the child might sit on your lap, while the doctor has a look around. The dentist would check on your child’s teeth, count them, look at their gums, and note anything out of the ordinary.
If you’re worried about taking your child to the dentist for the first time, because perhaps you don’t enjoy seeing the dentist yourself; We have some tips to make it easier:
- Start reading age-appropriate books about going to the dentist. Some books have little toys that look like teeth or dental tools. Your toddler can have fun playing with these and looking at the book’s pictures. They can even bring the toys to the exam!
- If you have an appointment coming up, take them along just to meet the doctor and staff before his/ her own visit.
- Get your child use to brushing their teeth and say “I’m going to have a look” when they’re done. If they are used to someone looking in their mouth, it won’t be strange when the dentist does it.
- If your kid gets screen time, show them a video about going to the dentist. If they see their favourite cartoon characters be successful at the dentist, they might be excited to go themselves. Give these ones a try: Peppa Pig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpR67q2l458 Dudley the Dragon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkSQCyl_rfY Berenstain Bears: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qhELwf-Ggg For more Tips & Advice: http://www.canadiannanny.ca/blog/cat/tips_advice/
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