Visiting the dentist’s office can be scary for youngchildren. Whether it is a regular dental checkup and cleaning or a more complextreatment or procedure, the goal is to ensure your child remains relaxed,comfortable, and at ease during their visit. Although you cannot control whatoccurs while in the dentist’s office, let a pediatric dentist in McKinney sharea few ways you can help your child prepare for a stress-free experience.

Schedule a Meet and Greet

Even before your child has a “normal” appointment with aMcKinney pediatric dentist, schedule a meet and greet. This will allow them tovisit the dental office, take a tour and look at the equipment, and mostimportantly, meet the dentists for the first time. These appointments make itpossible for your little one to become familiar with their surroundings and getto know the individuals who will be caring for their dental needs.

Bring Along Their Favorite Toy

Children often need to feel comforted, which is why it issuggested that you bring along a toy that makes them feel comfortable andrelaxed. Whether is a stuffed toy, book, or blanket, this important item willwork to keep them calm and at ease during their visit.

Start Good Oral Habits Early

Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing routines at home area great way to alleviate any possible stress during a dentist’s appointment. Byplacing an importance on good dental hygiene, you are encouraging your child totake care of their oral health, which, in turn, will keep their teeth and gumshealthy and free of any possible restorative or emergency dentistry in thefuture.

Talk Positively About the Dentist

If you want your child to feel excited about visiting thedentist, make sure you use positive, encouraging words. Remind them of howbeneficial and important seeing the dentist is and how you, too, enjoy havingyour teeth checked and cleaned.

Establish a Pediatric Dentist Early On

One of the best ways to minimize stress is to choose apediatric dentist before your child turns a year old. At this age, they canbegin to become familiar with the sights and sounds of a dentist’s office, andyou can help them become more comfortable with the idea of visiting thedentist’s office for regular checkups.

Each child is different, so if you discover that your littleone is having a difficult time adjusting to the dentist’s office, don’t beafraid to talk to your pediatric dentist. They will be able to providesuggestions on additional ways to help your child as well as offer sedationdentistry to calm their nerves.

About the Authors
Dr. Justin Chan has been a practicing pediatric dentist since 2012. Earning his dental degree at New York University College of Dentistry, he remains passionate about caring for and helping children of all ages grow and develop smiles that will last a lifetime. Patients who visit Sprout Dentistry for Kids will not only meet Dr. Justin but also Dr. Sage Yoo, a fellow pediatric dentist at the practice. After studying electrical engineering at Purdue University, Dr. Sage went on to earn his doctorate and complete his residency in pediatric dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Both Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage want your child’s experience to be stress-free and are pleased to provide useful tips and suggestions on ways to help your little one get excited about the dentist’s office. To learn more about us, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212.