Let’s face it—if you listened to your children every time they said, “NO!” then they’d walk out of the house without shoes everyday, eat candy and popcorn for breakfast, lunch and dinner and never, ever, ever see the children’s dentist in Castle Rock. Fortunately, they have parents who know what’s good for them, and regular dental checkups are not only good, they’re important. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the first visit won’t take a certain amount of child psychology. Here are some ideas to make your child’s first dental appointment pleasant—for both of you.
Get an Early Start
The American Dental Association recommends bringing your son or daughter to a pediatric dentist in Castle Rock for a first visit before they are a year old. This early appointment gives the dentist a chance to ensure that their teeth are erupting properly and their bite is developing well. In addition, the sooner your children get used to seeing the dentist, the more likely they are to stick to this good habit.
Keep It Short and Sweet
As your children grow, they may ask questions about the dentist’s office and what will happen there. Keep your explanations short and sweet. Too much information can raise more questions and anxiety. Stay positive, but don’t be misleading. If you say something like “everything will be fine,” this may come back to haunt you should your child need a treatment.
Watch Your Words
When talking to you children about the dentist, never use the words shot, hurt or pain. A kids’ dentist in Castle Rock uses special words that will put your child at ease. Once again, a short and simple explanation is best—something along the lines of “the dentist is going to check your smile and count your teeth” might be enough.
Play Pretend
Before that first dentist appointment, play a game of pretend with your child. All you need is a toothbrush. You be the dentist first. Start by counting her teeth and then brushing each little tooth. You can even hold up a mirror for her to see how nice her smile looks.
Then, it’s your daughter’s turn. Let her brush the teeth of a stuffed animal or doll. The idea is to help your child become familiar with the dentist’s routine so she’s more at ease during the real visit.
Now that you and your child are all ready, don’t wait. Call a children’s dentist in Castle Rock to schedule an appointment.
Meet the Doctor
Since graduating from the University of Iowa, Dr. Layne Benzley has been steadfast in his efforts to provide children with the absolute best in oral care. A certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Benzley is qualified to provide the type of unique care that children need at Castle Rock Smiles. He can be reached for more information through his website.
