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Inside: Learn how to make your toddler’s first dentist visit as pleasant as possible! Discover our toothbrush and toothpaste recommendations, too!
Little kids grow at such an incredible speed, and with all the responsibilities that come with parenting, we tend to forget about that until they begin biting!
Biting has always been bittersweet for me. Sweet, because it is still a typical developmental behavior in children. And bitter because, as a mother, I dislike it and strongly discourage my children from engaging in it. It’s not fun to be bitten!
Speaking of “biting,” when did all those teeth begin to pop? Geez! How quickly time passes! Well, I guess it’s time to go to the dentist.
It’s undoubtedly unfamiliar territory for first-time parents. That’s why I’m here.
Let’s get started!
“They sure are handy when you smile. So keep your teeth around awhile.“
~ Dr. Seuss
✔️ Are you looking for the best toothbrush for your child? This toothbrush is preferred by most moms during their babies’ first three years of life, while this one is preferred by kids aged three and up.
Preparing your Toddler for His First Dental Visit
Generally, being prepared is crucial for every age. Making mental preparedness a part of your toddler’s upbringing as early as now can help him handle issues well in the future.
A simple dentist visit can go a long way toward helping your rug rat. You should always be there for your child as much as possible as he grows because he learns new things from his environment every day.
Your toddler has outgrown his monthly, quarterly, or biannual well-baby visits. That would imply that the transition from a general pediatrician to a dental specialist would be hard for him.
To make the first visit to the dentist as manageable as possible, here are a few easy tips to consider:
1. The Earlier, The Better
Usually, many new parents don’t have any idea.
The question still lingers: “When do I start taking my tot to the dentist?”
The answer? As soon as possible!
Learning to care for his own teeth at a young age can greatly improve his oral health.
According to Dr. Millenaar, a pediatric dentist in Vancouver, a parent should take the lead in getting their baby to the dental clinic as soon as 24 weeks after the primary teeth appear. He also insisted that the timing should not be more than a year after the front tooth appears.
The basis for this early move is that there has to be a stable foundation for oral wellness.
The dental specialist is capable of sitting with the child and assisting him in understanding the significance of maintaining good oral health.
Your toddler will learn the importance of maintaining a clean mouth as well as the dangers of negligence. It’s not that parents can’t do it, but it’s better to get it from a professional!
2. Monitor Your Toddler’s Teeth at Home
Everyone tends to react differently to something strange.
In this case, unless a toddler has had that personal experience of being in a dental clinic before, it can be particularly difficult for him to feel comfortable there.
In addition, the dentist would be doing something unfamiliar to your little child. With that, your tot can give the dental pediatrician a hard time.
So, in the comfort of your own home, show your toddler some of the procedures that the dentist may perform on his teeth.
Here are a few things you can do at home to get him ready for that first experience while promoting oral health as well:
- Show him how to brush his teeth properly.
- Check his teeth for any cavities daily.
- Check his gums regularly.
- Show him how to gargle.
Repeating these actions regularly will help him form the habit of doing them, which will prepare him for his first trip to the dentist.
Plus, his dentist will thank you for the favor.
PRO TIP: I recommend getting this toothpaste for your child. Aside from being ADA-approved, it is made of natural ingredients and has not been tested on animals.
It goes without saying that it is by far the best overall toothpaste for children, in my book.
Read more: Top Mom’s Toothpaste Recommendations
Related article about toddlers: Daily Toddler Schedule (Free Sample Routine Included)
3. Allow your Toddler to Tag Along During Your Checkups
The best way toddlers learn at a tender age is by observing.
Since the majority of them can’t read or write at this point, they will eventually adapt to what they observe others doing.
With this in mind, allowing your child to tag along whenever you have an appointment with your dentist will be wise.
When they see that you’re also doing it, things will seem a little more natural to them.
Besides, getting acquainted with the environment and learning how things work will make him more comfortable on his first visit.
Furthermore, seeing a dentist in person will undoubtedly alter his perception of the entire procedure and help him realize that a dental examination is safe.
4. Visit and Survey Dental Clinics with your Toddler
Find a date in your calendar to visit dental clinics together and get advice on matters related to oral health.
Going to the dentist with your toddler can be even more enjoyable. Using all of these surveys will help you find the best pediatric dentist.
5. Invest in Materials that Touch on Oral Health
We all know entertainment grabs the attention of young ones. Our little kids are always interested in things like television programs and books. So why not use them to our advantage?
Nowadays, there are books or television shows on almost everything. You will find something for your toddler without even trying.
PRO TIP: Trust me when I say books are still a thing! You can find great quality books about dentists on Amazon. This book right here has such engaging illustrations your toddler will love.
It’s a win-win situation when you can be entertained while learning about dental matters.
Go ahead and buy him dentist toys if you like. Nothing beats playing and learning at the same time!
6. Choose the Perfect Time
It is essential to consider the time when taking your toddler to his first dentist visit.
Young ones experience several bouts of behavior in a day. That is just how little children are engineered.
At some point, they can be calm and composed. Then they can be overwhelmingly active.
Your toddler’s state of mind can absolutely contribute to his entire behavior, so always choose the perfect time to schedule his appointments so he can focus and cooperate.
You can also try incorporating dentist games while he is waiting to see the dentist to help him relax.
Conclusion to Prepping Your Toddler for His First Dentist Visit
Preparing your kid for his first dental checkup requires some level of wisdom.
You should never mention any graphic information like bleeding gums or tooth decay. It will only scare the heck out of him.
Reassure him that there is nothing to be afraid of at the dentist’s office.
Tell him that the dentist will only make sure his teeth are perfect and his smile is stunning.
There you go! Get to prepping that charming little one!
You got this, Mama!
Talk to you soon,
How Do You Get Your Toddler Ready for His First Dentist Visit?
Do you have any easy tips to share with us on how to prepare our little stinkers for their first visit to the dentist? We would all appreciate it if you could leave them in the comment section below!
Thank you so much!
Read more related articles about toddlers:
5 Guaranteed Home Remedies for Constipation in Toddlers
7 Enriching Indoor Activities for your Toddler (Applicable for all Seasons)
Best Travel Toys for Trips to Entertain Your Toddler
✔️ Are you looking for the best toothbrush for your child? This toothbrush is preferred by most moms during their babies’ first three years of life, while this one is preferred by kids aged three and up.
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