Measures You Can Take For A Comfortable And Drama-Free Pediatric Dental Appointment

As a parent, you may value the benefits of proper oral healthcare for your child. However, if you don't prepare properly, you may dread taking your youngster to see the dentist.

Here are a few measures that you can take to ensure that your child's dental appointment is comfortable and drama-free.

Encourage Good Dental Hygiene at Home

A dental appointment can become uncomfortable if your child has accumulated large amounts of tartar or developed dental decay. A routine dental examination and cleaning should not take long. However, if the child's teeth have not been kept relatively clean, that tartar-removing process can be more time-consuming.

Tartar is plaque that has hardened in position. By regularly brushing their teeth and flossing twice daily, your child can minimize the amount of tartar that builds up in their mouth.

To encourage your child to brush and floss properly, consider purchasing an electronic toothbrush that displays some of the child's favorite cartoon characters. The vibrating motion of the toothbrush bristles can clean the child's teeth more thoroughly than a manual brush could within the same time period.

Also, since some children have trouble navigating their string floss between the teeth, an oral irrigator may be more effective. The device directs a concentrated stream of water at the interdental spaces to flush out plaque and other debris.

Schedule the Appointment for a Time When the Child Is Well Rested

Although it may seem most logical to schedule your child's dental appointment after all of their other activities are complete for the day, your child may be exhausted by the time of their appointment. Thus, they may be cranky and less likely to cooperate.

It is often best to schedule the appointment during the morning hours when a child is most likely to be well rested.

Model Proper Responses to Dental Care

If you have an older child who is accustomed to dental visits, it can be helpful to allow a younger child to watch the older sibling's examination. The older child can serve as a model for their younger sibling, helping to guide the younger child's behavior.

Additionally, be sure that you are relaxed at the dental office. If you feel anxious, that anxiety could transfer to your child. Children often take behavioral cues from their parents.

To learn more tips for a successful pediatric dental visit, schedule a consultation with a pediatric dental specialist at a dental office like Dentistry For Children & Adolescents.