As parents, we want the best for our children, including their dental health. You may feel unsure about how to prepare your child for a dental visit and wonder if you’re doing it “the right way.” Well, let us assure you that you’re already doing an incredible job by ensuring your child’s oral health is in tip-top shape.

In this blog, we’ll provide five top tips that will make your child’s dental visits a breeze. From choosing the right words to explain what will happen, to finding a dentist who understands your child’s needs, we’ve got you covered. We aim to equip and encourage you, so you can feel confident and empowered as you take care of your child’s dental needs.

How do I prepare my child for a dental visit?

Going to the dentist can be a new and sometimes scary experience for children, especially those with special needs. As a parent, you may wonder how to prepare your child to feel comfortable and confident in the dentist’s chair. Luckily, there are several ways to help make these appointments easier for you and your child. 

1. Choose a dentist you and your child feel comfortable visiting.

As with any significant investment, doing homework before “signing on” with a dentist is okay. Consider the choice of your child’s pediatric dentist as an investment in their oral health. For this reason, you should find a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with. Look for a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children and has experience with dental anxiety.

2. Address your child’s underlying dental anxiety, or your own, if this is something you’re experiencing.

It’s estimated that about 36% of people in the U.S. have a fear of dental treatment. And of that,12% have an extreme fear. About 9% of kids battle with dental anxiety, too. Talking to your child about the dental visit beforehand can help ease their anxiety. You can also address your own anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises.

3. Schedule your appointment at a time that works best for you and your child. 

We all have better times of day than others. So, be sure to schedule your child’s appointment with their Kearney pediatric dentist when your child is well-rested and not hungry. Avoid scheduling appointments when your child is ready for a nap or when it is time to eat. 

4. Set up reminders so you don’t forget your child’s pediatric dental appointments. 

Moms have a lot to keep track of. And as kids get older, there are more activities to run to, and places to be. But going to the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and oral evaluation is critical to your child’s oral health. So, to ensure you don’t forget, set reminders in your phone, on a calendar, and consider confirming the appointment with a phone call. Let us know how we can help too. Your dentist in Kearney, NE will be happy to send you a reminder and confirmation so you don’t forget.

5. Make going to the dentist part of a fun routine that your child can look forward to. 

Reward your child with a fun activity after the appointment, such as a trip to their favorite park or the library. This will help create a positive association with going to the dentist and make future visits easier. By providing positive reinforcement, we can communicate and clarify the desired behaviors while strengthening the connection between performance and recognition. And kids are kids, so little treats or prizes for a job well done can go a long way toward setting that next appointment up for success too.

Preparing for dental visits for moms with multiple children. 

Moms with multiples often face unique challenges when scheduling dental appointments for their children. Getting more than one child to the dentist simultaneously can be a logistical nightmare, especially if they have different needs and schedules. However, with careful planning and preparation, going to the dentist with multiples can be a breeze. 

Here are some tips to make visits easier:

• Schedule dental appointments at the same time to save time and energy and allow all your children to be seen in a single visit.
• Schedule back-to-back appointments to ensure individualized attention if your children have different needs.
• Bring an extra caregiver to help manage your children while you are in the dental chair, if you have an appointment too.
• Bring along toys or books to keep your kids entertained while they wait.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior during the appointment.
• Reward your children with a fun activity or treat after the appointment to create a positive association with going to the dentist.
• Communicate openly with your dentist about your concerns and needs. They may have additional tips or resources to help make dental visits easier for moms with multiples.

Schedule your child’s next pediatric dental appointment at Pediatric Dental Specialists in Kearney today. 

We know you have choices regarding finding the right dentist for your child. These tips for pediatric dental appointments will make things easier the next time you need to pack up the kids and head our way. At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we specialize in kids with disabilities and special needs and can provide that extra loving touch of comfort and care to make your appointment much easier. Request an appointment today for an anxiety-free dental visit.