Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
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5 Parenting Hacks To Surviving A Child's First Dental Appointment
Eleanor Crawford
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see that dentist by the time they reach their first birthday. Recommending it, and surviving it as a parent are two different things, however. Toddlers often have completely different opinions about strangers looking in their little mouths. Creative parents, however, can sail through that first appointment with a few tricks.
1. Familiarity: Toddlers have stranger danger. Make the dentist, the hygienist, and the office itself familiar by talking about them long before the appointment date. Refer to the dentist and the hygienist by name. Talk about the office in relationship to something familiar, like down the street from a favorite park or on the same side of town as grandma's house.
2. Pack Toys: The waiting room can be brutal for toddlers because even a short wait seems like an eternity for children at that age. Pack plenty of toys and books to keep them entertained during the wait. Stay calm and relaxed and they will follow suit.
3. Role Play: A great hack is to purchase play dental equipment prior to the appointment and use it regularly on each other. Take turns playing dentist and patient until the idea of a dental tray with shiny instruments is no longer scary.
4. Sunglasses: That bright light helps the dentist see into the far corners of your mouth, but it can be annoying. To a toddler, however, it can be a deal breaker. Make a big deal about heading to the store to buy a special pair of sunglasses for the dental appointment. Being prepared and knowing what to expect is half the battle. Getting a new pair of sunglasses is always a treat for kids.
5. Reward: Over the years doctors and dentists have moved away from the traditional lollipops at the end of a successful appointment and switched to stickers. This is a great way to end the visit on a positive note but, as a parent, you can up the ante. Plan a special treat for afterwards, like a visit to a favorite park or a new toy. Anything that fits your budget and makes your child associate the dentist with something pleasant will work. The goal is to create a foundation for a lifetime of good dental health.
The most important thing to remember is that if your first trip is not successful, try again. You will not be the first parent who needs to re-schedule. To learn more, contact a professional like Michael Neeley DDS PA with any questions you have.
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