How to Have a Good Dental Visit with Your Young Child

Taking your small child to the dentist can be a big ordeal if you aren't prepared. A young child can have a hard time behaving in the waiting room when he or she gets bored. Once the youngster gets back in the exam room, she or he can be so worked up that the child won't follow the directions the dentist gives and may have a hard time sitting still for the entire exam. The advice below will help you keep your little one calmer and more agreeable during a dental visit.

Make an early appointment

If you can, you should set your child's appointment to be the very first thing in the morning. By doing this, you can guarantee your son or daughter is going to be one of the first patients called back. This can significantly cut down on the amount of time he or she has to sit in the waiting room, and you should expect the dentist to come into the exam room shortly after the call to go back.

Bring supplies

Pack a bag that has a variety of snacks and drinks. This way, you can give your child a snack if she or he is hungry. By bringing a good variety, you won't have to worry about your daughter or son not wanting what you have with you. Bring your child's favorite toy or book with you, as well. This may be a good time to buy a new book so you can entertain your child in the waiting room with a book she or he isn't familiar with.

Take a walk

If the weather is nice and if the wait time is getting long, let the staff know you are going to be waiting outside for a while and take your child for a walk around the building. This will help to pass the time and help to get rid of some of your son or daughter's pent-up energy before he or she has to sit in the dental chair.

Make the experience fun

Before your child goes into the exam room, prepare her or him for a fun time. Explain to your little one that the dentist is going to look at his or her teeth and that the dentist may use a variety of tools. Encourage your child to pretend she or he is on a spaceship preparing for takeoff. While your child is in the chair you can take pictures of him or her and keep the story going.

When you take these extra steps to help your child get through the appointment easier, you will see things go much smoother than you may have imagined.