Preparing Your Children for Their First Dental Cleaning

Child dentistry is essential for your children’s oral hygiene. The first “regular” dental visit should be just after your child turns one year. Taking your children for regular dental cleaning can remove food particles and plaque from your child’s teeth. It also allows the dentist to examine your children’s teeth and gums. The following tips will help you prepare your children for their first dental cleaning.

1. Introduce Oral Hygiene Routines

Introduce dental routines to your children early. Use a clean, damp cloth to clean your children’s gums before they sprout their first teeth. Shift to a child’s toothbrush when your children grow their first teeth. Practicing oral hygiene at home will prepare your children for their first dental cleaning.

2. Practice at Home

Going to the dentist for the first time can be overwhelming for your children. Children will likely cry when unfamiliar people poke their teeth. Play dentist and let your children play patient to prepare them for their first child dentistry appointment. Take your children through the dental cleaning procedure and explain every step to them.

Use one of your furniture as a dental chair. Open your children’s mouths gently and examine their teeth. Tell them that the dentist is going to do the same. Use toys to demonstrate to your children the processes. It would be best not to connote any potential pain. Make the process a fun activity because children learn best when they are having fun.

3. Put Your Children at Ease

Talk to your children about their upcoming dental appointment. You can guarantee them there are no shots at the child dentistry. Explain to them that the dentist will examine and brush their teeth.

It would help to inform them that the dentist will show them all the dental tools and explain all the processes before cleaning their teeth. You can give your children a little motivation by promising them a treat after the appointment.

4. Accompany Your Children to the Appointment

Accompany your children to child dentistry to make them comfortable. This will assure them that dental cleaning is nothing to be afraid of. If your children are anxious, hold their hands while they get their teeth cleaned.

Giving your children a good experience at their first dental cleaning appointment will make future child dentistry visits less intimidating. Following the steps provided in this guide will ensure your children are prepared for their first dental cleaning. If you’re ready to schedule that first dental cleaning appointment please contact us today at (207) 767-3211.