Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Six tips to make a child’s first appointment to the dentist a success

 

Part of teaching kids about proper oral care is bringing them to the dentist. Usually easier said than done, a child’s first dental appointment introduces them to their dentist, the dental office staff, and few tools used for cleaning. Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, shares six tips to the first appointment a great one. 

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Give them an early start in dental care. Familiarizing children with dental hygiene as soon as the first tooth erupts is the recommended practice for parents. Adults are encouraged to make it a nightly routine for their child to brush their teeth on their own while parents regularly check to see if brushing is done correctly. Read literature about dentistry to effectively introduce the topic to the child before their first appointment with the dentist.

Make the experience positive even before it takes place. A parent’s voice, body language, expressions, and words toward going to the dentist imply to the child’s initial visit to the dental office. Toddlers need their comfort items; be sure to bring them. Offer a sense of comfort and security to alleviate possible fear and anxiety.

According to Dr. Kami Hoss, parents must avoid mentioning fear until their kid does. Hearing negative experiences about dental visits might trigger fear in children. Be present during their first visit to the dentist. Kids need to develop confidence, trust, and independence all at once during the initial assessment. Having their parent by their side can make things a lot easier.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of business and dentistry. For more information on Dr. Kami Hoss, head over to this page.