How to Take Kids to the Dentist

Kids need not fear a trip to the dentist's office. With plenty of preparation, your child will consider a dental visit simply a routine way to keep her teeth healthy. Although general dentists sometimes work with children, pediatric dentists typically have more experience working with scared or wiggly children. In addition, pediatric dentists have more specialized training in dental issues that occur most commonly in children. Preparing your child in advance about what she can expect helps ensure a successful dental appointment.

Things You'll Need

• Books about the dentist
• Doll or stuffed animal
• Small reward

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Instructions

Preparing for the Visit

• 1

  Make an appointment with a pediatric dentist around your child's first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Dental visits should continue every six months thereafter. Try to schedule the appointment around your child's lunchtime, nap time or school hours.

• 2

  Prepare your child for the dental visit by reading books about the dentist. Discuss what happens in each picture using positive language.

• 3

  Act out a visit to the dentist, letting your child look in your mouth and brush your teeth or those of a doll or stuffed animal. Switch roles, and let your child act as the patient while you examine his teeth.

• 4

  Model brushing and flossing your teeth to promote good dental hygiene. Explain that bad germs called "plaque" try to make holes in your teeth called "cavities." Describe how frequent brushing and flossing get rid of the plaque and keep teeth strong and healthy.

Explaining the Visit

• 5

  Tell your child that the dentist will clean her teeth using special tools. Reassure her that the tools will not hurt, but she will be able to hear them as the dentist works. Tell your child that the dentist and hygienist will wear masks and gloves to protect them from germs.

• 6

  Explain to your child what will happen during a fluoride treatment if he is scheduled to receive one. Describe how the dental assistant will squeeze foam called fluoride onto a piece of plastic that will go inside your child's mouth. Make sure your child knows that the plastic will come back out in a few minutes and that the fluoride will make his teeth strong.

• 7

  Describe for your child in advance any special procedures, such as x-rays or fillings. If your child will get an x-ray, explain that a machine will take a picture of her teeth, but that it will not hurt. If your child will get a filling, explain that she will get a small shot that will make her mouth go to sleep while the dentist works. Reassure her that her mouth may feel funny afterward, but it will soon "wake up" and be back to normal.

During the Visit

• 8

  Ask the dentist or dental hygienist to narrate what is happening during the visit. Sit beside your child, and reassure him if he seems afraid.

• 9

  Let your child listen to music through headphones to block out the noise of the dentist's drill or other tools.

• 10

  Reward your child with a balloon, a trip to the park or a small toy. Some dental offices give children bags filled with a toothbrush, dental floss and a sticker as a reward.