Ticking off your baby’s first tooth is an important and emotional milestone, but did you know it’s also the time to schedule their first trip to the dentist? If your little one has all of their teeth and is only just able to sit still, the good news is, it’s never too late to go to the dentist.
If you’re arranging an appointment with a child-friendly children’s dentist London, you might be wondering what to expect. While it might be an unnerving prospect for your child to get in the dentist’s chair, it’s really not bad at all. This is especially true if you’ve found a children’s dentist London who only sees children and has lots of tricks to keep them entertained and happy.
We always recommend telling your child about their upcoming trip to the dentist. Whether that’s through the use of play and showing them what will happen, or showing them a video of a children’s dentist, letting them know what to expect is key. You could even show them virtual tours of the children’s dental practice, like the one we have on our own website at Kids Dental.
Most children’s dentists will have stickers and other rewards for your child, but it’s always an idea to carry some back up treats with you. Whether that’s your child’s favourite toys, some healthy snacks or a game to play, you can never be too prepared.
There are lots of resources out there to help you teach your child about oral hygiene, and the sooner you start teaching them about it, the sooner they’ll become familiar with what a dentist does. When a child is prepared, it will help lessen any dental anxiety they have and make the dental appointment run smoothly. Getting children to understand the importance of dental hygiene and visiting the dentist from a young age helps encourage lifelong positive habits that they’ll only thank you for later on.
Depending on how cooperative your child is, they may sit on your lap or in the dentist’s chair. The dentist or dental hygienist will then clean the child’s teeth, teaching them about dental hygiene as they go. The dentist will check their teeth for any cavities, jaw, teeth and any other potential issues, before talking to you about how you care for your child’s teeth. At the appointment, the dentist can answer any questions you have, and help provide tips and tricks to keep your child’s teeth in good condition.
Getting your child started with a positive dental experience early on can set them up for lifelong positive oral hygiene habits. By following these steps and taking the time to prepare your child for their first dentist’s visit, you can help your child enjoy a trip to the dentist without being worried about future appointments.
At Kids Dental, we only work with children. We’ve invested heavily in a fun, modern and enjoyable practice to help your child (and you!) relax during any visits. To book an appointment with a children’s dentist London, please call our London practice on 020 8646 6300.
