How to prepare your toddler for the dentist
Hi all,
Welcome to a brand new Dr. C post - the first one in a hot minute - but one I’m super excited to share and one that was requested by many people on Instagram following Oliver’s appointment. Look, I get it: going to the dentist can stir up a lot of emotions, so here’s what to do so your toddler - and you - stay calm at the dentist!
Tips for taking your kids to the dentist
First, introduce the concept of a dentist. Tell them: "A dentist, makes sure our teeth are healthy, just like our Dr keeps our body healthy.”
Then, let your child know what to expect at the dentist. This is particularly important!
Let them play dentist at home with a stuffed animal or on a parent using a toddler dental kit. You can find some kits to help you with that below and I have one as part of my special Toddler subscriuption club on Amazon.
Next, and continuining with the idea of letting you child know to to expect, tell them: “At the dentist, you’ll lay down on a chair and put on sunglasses. The dentist will count your teeth, brush, floss and maybe take pictures of your teeth.”
And add too that "mom will be right next to you.”
Avoid using words like “drill,” “pain,” “shot,” “needle” or “hurt.”
If you think it might help your child, let them watch toddler videos about going to the dentist, I really like the Blippi and Super Simple Songs videos.
Schedule the appointment with a pediatric dentist earlier in the morning, when they’re more likely to cooperate.
Toddler’s love having control so offer controlled choices so they have control and you control the desired outcome. Two examples below:
"Do you want to get on the dentist chair from this side or this side?”
“Do you want to watch this show or that show?
Make sure to praise your child along the way and reward them after the visit for effort!
I hope the above helps, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out via Instagram, or reply below. Remember, you can also book time with me to help you on a case-by-case basis.
