Kids will be kids. They’re not afraid to voice their opinion about things they just don’t feel like doing. And when it comes to an upcoming kids’ dentist visit, we know that there are plenty of things they would rather do. Going to the kids’ dentist visit should be a happy occasion, so how can you make it something your kid looks forward to vs. one that they arrive at with a frown on their face? We have some ideas, and it all starts with making them the star of the day of their kids’ dentist visit.
Make your kids’ dentist visit something they look forward to!
Getting your child’s buy-in is perhaps the best way to get them to do what they need to do – go to school, see their pediatrician, and make twice-yearly trips to their kids’ dentist in Prince Frederick or Waldorf, Maryland. The best way to get buy-in is to stay calm when presenting their options, avoid power struggles, give them clear expectations about their participation, and consistently follow through. But when it comes to going to the dentist, there are a few other things you can do to help ease potential dental anxiety and make the visit positive and successful.
1. Make dentist day a date day.
All kids need some dedicated time from their parents. It can be hard to find the time to dedicate an entire day, though, especially with so many competing priorities in life. Since your kids’ dentist visit is likely on that long list of things to do, why not turn the rest of the day into one that is dedicated to your child? Schedule the dentist’s visit during the time of day that your child is most cooperative.
For most kids, this is in the morning between 10:30 AM and noon. After the dental appointment, take your child to lunch. Take time to discuss the appointment and how it went and answer any questions about the experience. Next, take them to their favorite toy store and let them pick something special, just for them.
2. Remember that your child is the patient, not you.
When you get to the dentist’s office, make sure your child is seen and heard. We don’t mean that your child should be running around the office screaming. Rather, introduce your child to the staff at the front desk. Show your child around the office and make sure that they are free to ask questions that they might have.
If your child likes to draw, perhaps encourage them to write or draw a card for the dental staff in advance of the appointment. Having your child give the card to the staff or dentist is a great ice-breaker and can help put them at ease.
3. Let your child wait their way.
Once you and your child arrive at the dentist’s office, the chances are that you may need to wait for a little bit before their appointment begins. We understand that kids can get squirmy when waiting their turn, so be sure to think in advance of what your child can do to stay entertained while they wait.
Offer to let them listen to music on your mobile device and pop in those earbuds. Or see if your kids’ dentist offers a play area. We Make Kids Smile offers a convenient kids area where your child can express their imagination and parents can wait in comfort.
4. Talk to your child about what to expect when they arrive.
As we said before, your child is the patient on their dentist day, not you. So, help your child be more actively involved in the process. One way to do that is to teach them to listen for their name to be called when it is their turn. Kids love hearing their name, and they will feel more important when they hear it for themselves and know what to do.
Also, be sure to talk to your child in advance about what to expect at the dentist’s office. Consider a visit in advance so that the office feels familiar, or show them an online tour if the dentist’s office offers one.
5. Don’t forget a visit from the tooth fairy!
Who says the tooth fairy only visits when your child loses a tooth? In our experience, the tooth fairy arrives whenever it is crucial to help boost your child’s confidence too. So if your child has a great visit to the dentist or even one that doesn’t go as smoothly as you had hoped, make sure that the tooth fairy can visit while your child sleeps that night. Encourage the tooth fairy to leave behind some sort of hidden treasure that your child will find when they awake in the morning.
At We Make Kids Smile, your child will be the star of the day every dentist’s visit day.
If you are planning your kids’ dentist visit and you are looking for the best pediatric dentist near Prince Frederick or Waldorf, Maryland, then We Make Kids Smile is a great choice! Our team doesn’t just treat kids and their dental needs, we specialize in them.
From your baby’s first dental visit around their first birthday to their young adult years, we have the skills and expertise to help your kids smile all year long. Request an appointment today and see why your kids’ dentist visit day should and will be happy.
