6 Top Tips to Prepare Your Toddler For a Dental Checkup
As a parent, it’s hard to know whether you’re doing the right thing for your child. Yet the bigger challenge is convincing your child when you’re sure of what’s best for them!
Taking your child for a dental checkup is one of those times when you know it’s a good idea, but your child may take some convincing. Here are some great ways to help them understand what a dental visit is like so they don’t get scared.
1. Communicate Well
If you’re getting ready to have your babies go to the dentist, the best way to prepare them is to talk about it and help them understand what’s going to happen in the office.
Telling them the benefits of a dental checkup won’t really help, unless you talk about it in terms they can understand. Many dentists refer to fluoride as “vitamins” for kids’ teeth. Let your child know that a dentist will look in their mouth and help keep their teeth healthy and strong.
2. Use Visual Aids
For terror-free dental checkups, show the kids what their visit will be like. Check out books from your library about visiting the dentist and how they take care of people’s teeth. Make sure the books are age-appropriate for your toddler.
You can also show your child videos of what it’s like to go to the dentist. Don’t do a random search on YouTube. Spend some time previewing the videos that are out there and selecting the best one to help your child understand the process.
Make sure you talk about the entire visit from beginning to end. Does your dentist have a waiting room? What kinds of toys will be there?
Let your child know why you have to wait and what they can do while they wait to pass the time. They can expect to see other kids at the practice, and talk about who will call their name. This is a fun time to teach big words like “hygienist” and see how much they catch on.
While it used to be hard for toddlers to come and visit a dentist with a mask on, these days it’s pretty common for kids to see people in a mask. Show your toddler in the video how the dentist wears a mask just like we do to keep germs out. Demonstrate that there is a person underneath by showing them your face underneath your mask.
3. Practicing for a Dental Checkup
Let your child practice playing dentist with you or with siblings. You don’t have to buy a fancy toy dentist kit, although that works well. Instead use what you have: an old button-up shirt for a lab coat and your toddler’s toothbrush to play with.
Encourage them to pretend they are the dentist giving checkups, dental treats, and diagnoses. If they are still unsure of what to do, model pretend play for them by being the dentist first. Use stuffed animals for other patients in the waiting room and dental hygienists, or switch between pretending to be the hygienist and the dentist.
It’s easy to make-believe with children because they are interested and excited to have a grown-up playing with them. Use that enthusiasm as you teach them to understand what roles each person at the dentist has and how their visit will go.
4. Take Advantage of Schedule
Think of your child’s normal day. How early do they wake up? When are they ready for a snack?
Talk with your pediatric dentist and schedule an appointment for a time when your toddler will normally be in a good mood. If your toddler would usually be napping or having lunch at your appointment time, the change in routine could upset them. Be conscious of your normal routine to help your child get through their first dental visit.
5. Use Comfort Objects
Allow your child to bring a blankie or a stuffed animal they love. This can help them find comfort while at the dentist.
Sometimes children even ask the dentist to check their teddy bear’s teeth first, and the best dentists will happily oblige. This makes the child more relaxed and ready for their examination.
Even if you’re working toward not needing comfort objects, you may want to make an exception for this appointment. These are the tools they know how to use to stay calm, and taking them away adds an extra element to the appointment.
6. Stay Excited
While you may not feel nervous about the dentist, you may be nervous about how your child is going to react. Your child may sense that you’re nervous and not know why, thinking the dentist is something to be nervous about.
Do your best to prepare yourself as well as your child. Remind yourself of all the times they’ve done really well in challenging situations, and try to exude confidence that they’ll succeed again. If they can see that you’re sure of their behavior, they’ll try to live up to that expectation.
Talk about the dentist with a happy demeanor. Don’t act like there’s anything to be afraid of. Talk about how proud you are that they are taking care of their bodies.
Be sure to use positive language with your child as you go through the appointment. Reminding them that they’re brave and strong is encouraging, and it will help them make it through. Tell them you’re proud of their attitude and how well they’re doing!
Healthy Habits
Taking your toddler for a dental checkup is not always easy, but if you prepare ahead of time, they’ll have all the tools they need. You’ll be thrilled when they understand what’s going on and how to brave a visit to a new place.
If everything doesn’t go as planned, don’t give up. Make their dental health a regular habit, and they’ll get used to their checkups every six months. They’ll also learn to understand the importance of taking care of their teeth.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our website for more information!