720-248-9770
You have taken the step of making your kiddo’s first appointment with a pediatric dentist, and now you’re wondering if your little one is going to be okay…or if you are going to be okay. Here at Highlands Pediatric Dentistry, we get it! And we are here to tell you, you can relax! Rest assured that most first-time pediatric dental appointments are actually quite pleasant. But in case you’re experiencing a bit of first-appointment-for-my-little worries, here are some tips and tricks that may help prepare them (and you).
- You know your child better than we do, so you will know when would be a good time to let them know about the appointment. If your kiddo tends to get super anxious, maybe wait until the day or two (or even the day of) before telling them they’re going to “get their teeth brushed!” If they usually need a little time to process what is going to happen, tell them with enough time so that they’re as relaxed as they can be for their first dental appointment.
- If your little one starts to feel anxious about the visit, this is completely normal. Ask them their worries, reassure them that it is going to be fun and tickly, and at the end, they get a prize from the Highlands Pediatric Dentistry prize wall! ALSO, let them know they can bring a friend! Every day we meet friends like Huggy the dog, Remy the unicorn, and we’ve had more Buzz Lightyears in here than we can count. It helps to be comforted by your favorite snuggle buddy, so all toys and dolls are welcome.
- Role Play like you are at the pediatric dentist!! Grab your child’s toothbrush and make sure they are comfortably seated. Take on the role of the dentist and gently count and brush their teeth. As you go through the motions, explain the importance of oral hygiene and why it’s crucial for healthy teeth. Afterward, you can switch roles and let your child become the dentist, taking care of a stuffed animal’s teeth. This playful activity will not only make dental care enjoyable but also teach your child about the significance of maintaining good oral health.
- Most of all, be super positive about the upcoming visit! Avoid words that might trigger something in their mind. Even by saying “It won’t hurt” or “Don’t worry” – this verbiage can make little ones wonder. We love to tell kiddos how fun the visit is going to be, and that they’re going to meet the “Tiger the Tickly Toothbrush” and “Mr. Thirsty” our super straw who helps make their teeth sparkle. We have a paintbrush to put on either superhero or princess vitamins (fluoride) on their teeth at the end of the visit, and then they get a prize!
- Lastly, reading does wonders to prepare your child for the pediatric dentist!! Here are some awesome books we at Highlands Pediatric Dentistry recommend, all of which can be found on Amazon:
📖 The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer
📖 The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
📖 Elmo Visits the Dentist By P.J. Shaw — favorite that moms talk about!
📖 Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
📖 Pout-Pout Fish: Goes to the Dentist by Deborah Diesen
📖 Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip
📖 The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
📖 Curious George Visits the Dentist by H. A. Rey
We also recommend watching videos such as:
Peppa Pig goes to the Dentist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3BJHrAL6Fo
Daniel gets his teeth cleaned
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvhF2h915SM&t=40s
We hope this helps! If there is anything more we can answer about how to help prepare your kiddo for their first visit, give us a call! We are glad to go over any questions or concerns that you have – it’s our number one goal that not only is your kiddo happy after their first visit, but that you are too.
Call Highlands Pediatric Dentistry today at 720-248-9770 to schedule your child’s first dental visit in Denver, Colorado!