Taking your child to the dentist for bi-annual teeth cleaning is part of a lifelong oral health ritual. If your kid’s first visit to a family dental practice is approaching, it can be nerve-wracking when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, the caring dentists at Mainwaring John D DDS, in Orange, CT, share some advice that can help ease the stress of the visit.

3 Tips to Prepare For Your Child’s First Visit to a Family Dental Practice

1. Make It Fun

Turning a visit to the dentist into a game at home is an excellent way to calm your child’s nerves. Take turns-role playing the dentist and the patient, so that they can become familiar with the concept. Another fun way to prepare them for their visit is to read them kids’ books about the dentist.

2. Let Them Bring a Personal Toy or Blanket

If your child has a stuffed animal or a blanket that they like to bring everywhere, allow them to take it with them to the dentist. This will help facilitate a sense of security, and they will have something to hold onto if they’re feeling scared. You can even let them dress up in their favorite costume, as long it won’t interfere with the check-up.

3. Schedule a Tour

Pediatric dental practices typically offer games, toys, and movies in the waiting room to create a welcoming environment for children. Scheduling a tour ahead of time will allow your child to see how fun it can be to go to the dentist, and give them a chance to become acquainted with the staff.

When it’s time to schedule your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist, turn to a family dental practice you can trust. Mainwaring John D DDS offers a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services to help your child maintain their beautiful smile. Call (203) 799-6625 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.