Use Your Bag Of Tricks For Your Child’s First Trip To The Dentist’s Office

Share Button

By Aaron Schulman

brushteethEvery parent needs to have a good bag of tricks so use when stressful events are in the plans. Since so many people have anxiety about going to the dentist and many children learn about the anxiety from their friends and from television. These are a few easy tricks to throw into your figurative bag:

1. Honesty is the Best Policy: Parents should not trick their children by telling them they are going somewhere else and then showing up at the dentist. Children need to trust their parents, so when you are taking them to the dentist, tell them. If you do not tell your child about the dentist, your child could develop more anxiety and fear about maintaining their teeth.

2. Bribery Does Work: Parents use bribery all of the time and there is nothing wrong with using it regarding the dentist. The bribery should not be contingent on whether or not your child’s behavior is good. If your child knows that he will be getting an ice cream cone or a special toy at the end of the appointment, it gives you something to use to remind him that a good thing will come at the end of the appointment.

3. Story Time: Everyone feels better about their experiences if they know that someone else has had a similar experience. So, your child will be more relaxed if she hears about your first experience at the dentist. It does not really matter if the story is completely accurate – especially since you might not really remember the first experience – but keeps it positive so your child knows that the dentist is helpful and kind.

4. Know Your Child’s Schedule: If you plan the appointment when your child should be napping, you will probably have a horrible experience. Make sure that you schedule the appointment during a time that your child is awake and fed. This will help ensure that your sanity will be preserved.

childteeth5. Sing a Song: Kids love to be silly and they love to sing silly songs. The best songs are the ones you make up together and a silly song about the dentist’s office can make the even more enjoyable. You could record the song and put it on a YouTube channel to share with the dentist or record it on your cellphone and play it when you get there.

6. Decorate the Dentist’s Office: Along with singing, kids love to draw. Your child could draw a picture for the dentist before visiting and the hand deliver it to the dentist, receptionist, or hygienist. It can be fun for your child if you secretly call the office in advance so let the office know and then they can hang the picture up for your visit. Your child will feel so important and it will make the office visit go more smoothly.

7. Share a Skill: Kids love to show off their skills. Before you visit the dentist, encourage your child to practice telling a joke or doing some other fun skill to share with the dentist. Your child could bring in her softball glove to talk about the last game or bring in his soccer ball to talk about the latest goal he scored. Your child will feel so important and the dentist will have something to talk about during the appointment.

When it comes to parenting, it is helpful to anticipate a variety of outcomes. When it comes to going to the dentist for the first time, you never know what to expect. A little careful planning goes a long way!

– Aaron Schulman has worked in the dental industry for years. He currently works with 5th Avenue Acquisitions who help show dentists how to sell a dental practice. He and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of 3 wonderful girls: two of which are getting ready for their first visit to the dentist. You can read more about Aaron and 5th Avenue Acquisitions at 5thaavc.com