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4 Tips to Ease Kids' Dental Jitters Before Their First Check-Up

Colorado Springs, United States - October 20, 2023 / Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry - Sky Vista Point, Colorado Springs, CO /

Going to the dentist can be scary, even for adults. Even though early exams help toddlers build confidence, once kids reach 3 or 4, they often resist going to the dentist. At Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we help young patients feel safe and comfortable during treatment. Our pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, makes exams lighthearted, fun, and a positive experience for your child. Before your child's dental visit, use these four tips to prepare them.

Visit Before Their Appointment

It's a good idea to call ahead and schedule a meet-and-greet with the staff and dentist before your child's check-up or treatment. This will allow your child to become familiar with the office and the people they will see during their visit. They can also ask any questions and enjoy the play area before receiving a little prize to take home.

Because they'll already know the dentist and staff by name, your child can feel much less anxious whenever they come in. The team can even talk about their upcoming exam and walk them through the process so they can comfortably predict what will happen when they visit.

Read Books About the Dentist

Reading books about the dentist or dental hygiene can help boost kids' confidence and even get them excited about going to the dentist. Some of our favorite titles for young children are:

• "Going to the Dentist" by ReadySetPrep
• "Daniel Goes to the Dentist" by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
• "Dentist Trip" (Peppa Pig) - by Scholastic
• "My Friend Toothy" by Stacey Laviolette
• "Brush, Brush, Brush" (Rookie Toddler Book) by Scholastic

Reading these books a few times a week before your child's exam can reduce anxiety and encourage conversation.

Use Kid-Friendly Dental Vocabulary

At our practice, we avoid words that can induce anxiety and cause fear in patients. We encourage all parents to do the same before bringing their child to a pediatric dentist. Some words to avoid include "shot," "drill," and "pull a tooth." Instead, here is a list of some of the most common kid-friendly dental words we prefer:

• Needle or shot - Numbing medicine
• Drill - Water whistle toothbrush
• Pull or yank a tooth - Wiggle a tooth out
• Explorer - Tooth counter
• Decay/cavity - Sugar hole
• Gas - Magic air
• Exam - Look at teeth

Practice an Exam on Their Toys

Set up a pretend dental clinic home with your child's favorite stuffed animal or doll. Show them how to rest on the chair and sit patiently as the dentist (your child) counts their teeth. Introduce their toothbrush, and talk about how the dentist does a good job keeping teeth nice and clean. Then, let your child count your teeth before you count theirs. Rehearsing the experience before a visit can make your child feel at ease and eager to participate in their treatment.

Make an Appointment With a Pediatric Dentist in Colorado Springs, CO

If you are looking for an experienced pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, the team at Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. They love meeting new patients and caring for their oral health at every stage of development. In addition to general care, they provide orthodontic, phase-two, and corrective treatments. You can always count on us to make dental care fun!

Contact Information:

Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry - Sky Vista Point, Colorado Springs, CO

850 Sky Vista Pt
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
United States

Contact Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry - Sky Vista Point, Colorado Springs, CO
(719) 282-6666
https://mysmilehq.com/