| Many children have fears of going to the | | | | friendly way. You might even find movies or |
| doctor and this is also true for children | | | | cartoons about going to the dentist. |
| visiting the dentist for the first time. When | | | | |
| you take your child to the dentist for the | | | | See a pediatric dentist. If you have tried |
| first time, it can be quite scary. The chairs | | | | taking your child to the dentist and the |
| are big, the lights are bright and the | | | | visit ended in tears, you might want to |
| dentist wears a scary mask and gloves. You | | | | consider using a pediatric dentist. A |
| can try to rationalize with your child and | | | | pediatric dentist is specially trained to |
| tell him or her that there is nothing to be | | | | work with children and their needs. In |
| afraid of, but your child still may be | | | | addition, you may find that a pediatric |
| scared. The good news is that there are | | | | dentist uses bright colors and smaller chairs |
| things that you can do to help ease the fears | | | | in their office making the visit seem less |
| of that first dentist visit. If you are | | | | scary. Pediatric dentists usually see |
| taking your child to the dentist for the very | | | | patients up to the age of eighteen. |
| first time, consider the following: | | | | |
| | | | Take your child to the dentist with you. If |
| Your child should see a dentist by the age of | | | | you are going for a regular check up at your |
| two. This seems like a very young age, but | | | | own dentist and you do not need any major |
| this is a good time to instill the importance | | | | work, think about taking your child along to |
| of regular visits. The dentist will introduce | | | | watch. Before you do this, speak to your |
| your child to the office and show him or her | | | | dental office and make sure that is |
| the equipment in a non-scary way. In | | | | acceptable. In many cases, your dentist will |
| addition, the dentist will probably talk to | | | | allow your child to help examine your teeth. |
| your child about the proper way to brush and | | | | That helps them know what they can expect at |
| the importance of eating healthy. If you | | | | their first visit. |
| start taking your child to the dentist at an | | | | |
| early age, he or she is less likely to be | | | | Take a favorite toy. When it is time for your |
| afraid. | | | | child to go visit the dentist, allow your |
| | | | child to bring along their favorite toy, |
| Read books about visiting the dentist. One | | | | doll, pillow or blanket. Having something |
| great way to prepare a young child for the | | | | that is familiar may help your child cope |
| first trip to the dentist is to visit your | | | | with the visit easier. |
| local library or bookstore and find books | | | | |
| about visiting the dentist. Many popular | | | | If you have a child that has a fear of |
| childrens character have books that explain | | | | visiting the dentist, try some of these tips |
| going to the dentist in an easy, child | | | | for an easier visit. |