As a parent, you naturally want what is best for your child. This includes ensuring that their smile remains healthy and radiant. However, trips to the dentist aren’t always the easiest, especially for the little ones who have yet to have their first visit. In this blog post, our CU Smile Dental Care team provides you with tips to prepare your child for their visit to a dentist in SE Calgary.
You shouldn’t wait until your child complains of a toothache before getting involved with children’s dentistry in Calgary. The best time to bring your child to the dentist for the first time is when their first tooth erupts, or by the time they reach one year of age, whichever occurs first.
You can also do practice visits and bring your child to the dentist with you for your regular cleanings and exams. Use these visits as an opportunity to teach your child some fun and interesting dental care facts.
One of the best ways to teach your child about the world is through reading together. If you already read your books with your child each day, why not take this time to teach them about how the dentist protects their oral health and makes their life better? Some good books about the dentist include Curious George Visits the Dentist by H.A. Rey and The Crocodile and the Dentist by Taro Gomi.
You may not realize it, but you could be accidentally passing on your fears of dentistry in South Calgary to your child. Try to avoid talking about more intense dental procedures that your child will not need, such as root canals and dental implants, or how painful certain dental procedures can be.
Additionally, make sure that you set a good example for maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Ensure that your child sees you brushing and flossing every day, and make healthy, well-balanced meals with them to protect their oral health.
Younger kids may need some motivation to feel enthusiastic about children’s dentistry in South Calgary. Many pediatric dentists provide small toys or stickers to children after their dental visits. You can also speak to your child before taking them to the dentist about what they would like to do following their appointment as a reward if they are well-behaved and brave during their appointment. You could suggest going to see a movie they’ve been wanting to see or going to the arcade once their appointment is finished.
Just like reading, imaginative play is an excellent way to build your child’s developmental skills and help them understand new situations. You can use pretend play to prepare your child for their visit to the dentist, so they know what to expect when the real thing happens.
If it is time to take your child for their first dental visit, our team at CU Smile Dental Care is here to support you every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us to book your child’s initial dental appointment with our highly trained and compassionate dental team. We look forward to seeing your little one’s sweet smile!
"Providing family, children's, and general dentistry to South Calgary including Riverbend, Ogden, Kingsland, Fairview, Langdon, Okotoks, High River and Surrounding Area"
