Some children throughout the Treasure Valley enjoy visiting their Boise dentist and look forward to it. Others, not so much. Oral health is very important, but forcing a scared, stressed out child into a dentist chair can be quite a daunting task. As a parent, it’s important to understand that dental anxiety can be quite common in children and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, Summit Dental has plenty of experience working with children that have dental anxiety.
Reading dental story books to your kids is an excellent way to help reduce the fear of visiting their Boise dentist. Through the use of colorful illustrations, easy to understand language and a happy dental experience for the main character, you can help your child develop a better understanding of what to expect at Summit Dental.
At Summit Dental, we advise parents to bring their kids in for their first visit as soon as their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Early dental checkups are not only good for their oral health but it helps them become familiar with their Boise dentist at an early age. Routine Boise dental visits early in life is a perfect way to help them feel comfortable and build trust with their dentist.
It can be very beneficial to practice being a dental patient by playing “dentist” at home. Take turns playing the role of the dentist to check and count each other’s teeth. Practicing on dolls or stuffed animals can also be fun. With a chair, a mirror, and a toothbrush, it’s easy to set up a pretend Boise dental visit at home.
Stress and anxiety can increase if you tell your child about a Boise dental appointment at the last minute. Instead, provide them with ample time to mentally prepare themselves for the visit. It can be helpful to tell your child about the upcoming dental appointment in advance, and continually remind them as the date approaches.
Teaching your kids the importance of good oral hygiene is a worthy investment in their overall health. Set expectations like brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting their Boise dentist on a regular basis. Remind them that the dentists at Summit Dental are friendly doctors for their teeth and that it’s our job to keep their teeth strong and healthy!
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