The Importance of Early Dental Visits
The Importance of Early Dental Visits
Taking your children for oral checkups helps ensure a healthy mouth and healthy attitude toward dentists.
Wondering how to prepare for your child's trip to the tooth doctor? Law offers the following tips:
Be brief. Parents tend to over-talk upcoming dentist visits to prepare their child, a strategy that often backfires. The more you talk, the bigger deal it becomes. Let your child know ahead of time about the visit and leave it at that.
Be positive. Parents who have had bad dental experiences often assume their kids will, too. Don't talk about fear -- it just sets up negative associations with the dentist. "There's no reason to expect pain," Law says.
Be a presence (not a nuisance). Many parents repeat the directives given their child by the dentist or interject in other ways during office visits. But hearing multiple voices confuses your child and blocks an opportunity for bonding with her dentist. "When we need your help, we'll ask," Law says.
The Importance of Early Dental Visits
Taking your children for oral checkups helps ensure a healthy mouth and healthy attitude toward dentists.
Getting Ready for Your Child's First Dental Appointment
Wondering how to prepare for your child's trip to the tooth doctor? Law offers the following tips:
Be brief. Parents tend to over-talk upcoming dentist visits to prepare their child, a strategy that often backfires. The more you talk, the bigger deal it becomes. Let your child know ahead of time about the visit and leave it at that.
Be positive. Parents who have had bad dental experiences often assume their kids will, too. Don't talk about fear -- it just sets up negative associations with the dentist. "There's no reason to expect pain," Law says.
Be a presence (not a nuisance). Many parents repeat the directives given their child by the dentist or interject in other ways during office visits. But hearing multiple voices confuses your child and blocks an opportunity for bonding with her dentist. "When we need your help, we'll ask," Law says.