Good oral hygiene is one of the most important life skills a parent can instill in a child. There are steps you can take to not only keep his mouth healthy, but also help make visits to the dentist positive experiences for everyone.

Go Early, Go Often
The earlier you bring your child to the dentist, the better. Once his first tooth pops through, you can begin making regular dental appointments for him. This may seem too soon to some, however, the more familiar he is with the dentist, the easier it will be to go again in the future. Plus, it never hurts to address any concerns you may have and to establish a relationship with your dentist early.

Let Him Know What to Expect
As your kiddo gets older, laying out expectations before an upcoming appointment can make all the difference. Talk about visiting the dentist while you brush his teeth; let him know that he will be going soon, which is very exciting. Role playing with a stuffed animal can also be beneficial. Brush his favorite toy’s teeth, inspect its mouth with a mirror, pretend to take x-rays, then praise the toy for being a good listener and brave.

Highlight the Pros – Leave Out the Scary Stuff
Be careful not to mention anything that could go wrong. Try to leave out negative phrases like “it might hurt” or “you might feel scared,” which could make your child more anxious, rather than ease his worries.

Instead, focus only on the positives. Tell him people go to the dentist to make sure their teeth stay healthy and strong, like superheroes. Tell him how clean and beautiful his teeth will look when he’s all finished, and maybe how surprised grandma or a friend will be when they see him after his cleaning.

Praise Him When He Does Well
Positive affirmation on a regular basis never hurts. Praise your little one every time he brushes his teeth or lets you help him floss. Let him know how proud you are that he’s helping his teeth stay healthy and strong. Occasionally, remind him how the dentist will certainly notice that he’s been taking care of them properly and will be very impressed the next time he visits him.

Practice What You Preach
Kids do what they see. Let your little one watch you brush and floss your teeth regularly. Remind him why you’re doing it: to keep your own mouth healthy. Let him know when you have a dental appointment and how excited you are to go. Afterwards, tell him how friendly and helpful the dentist and assistants were. If he senses anxiety or dread from you, he will be more likely to be afraid himself.

Helping your kiddo have a beautiful smile may seem like an uphill battle, but remember, starting good habits early and giving him a little encouragement can have a big impact! South Holston Dental Designs is here to help you along the way. Contact us today and let’s take the first step in giving your child a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

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