Part of what we do is to educate people on the benefits of oral health care, no matter what your age is. For children, however, it’s very important to embed those useful habits early.
Your role as a parent or guardian involves helping a child in their development and giving them what they need to understand why we maintain routine care; this applies to looking after their teeth as well.
Let’s look at some ways you can make a visit to the dentist easier for you and the child.
Reassurance is key
Nervousness around visiting the dentist can happen at any age, but it can be particularly confusing for a child who might not fully understand what is going to happen before each visit and why the dentist will perform certain tasks.
You can put the mind of a child at ease by reminding them that the dentists at London City Smiles know exactly what they’re doing and have a wealth of experience. Delivering dental procedures for children is part of what makes us one of the best dental clinics in London.
Home Preparation
There are countless videos and TV shows available to you at home that help children prepare for these sorts of appointments. Many of the most popular children’s programmes will have their favourite characters visiting the dentist, for instance, which is something designed to help children in their own experiences.
Seek out books or videos that will help explain to your child why dental appointments are important and they’re nothing to be afraid of in a way that they can engage with and enjoy. You should also consider packing their favourite toys or books in the car for them to relax with beforehand.
Starting early
Most of us are now familiar with the typical surroundings of a dental practice, but it can be a daunting thing for a child who hasn’t experienced one before or doesn’t remember their previous visit.
Bringing a child to the dentist early in their life will get them more used to what everything looks like so that it will be a more routine experience going forward. The fewer surprises in store for your child, the better!
Ask your dentist for guidance
As a professional in the industry, your dentist knows the best oral health care tips for your children. Within your parental responsibility at home is to turn this advice into part of their daily routine.
Asking wise questions early on prepares you for helping your child at home. Our dentists will provide a warm and welcoming environment so that you feel comfortable enough to ask them anything you might be unsure of, and hopefully even encourage the child to learn more about oral care too.
To learn more about what we can do to make this a more pleasant experience for both you and your child, explore the London City Smiles webpage on children’s dentistry.
