As the local cavity wranglers for young’uns in Napa, CA, we know that going to the dentist can be challenging (even when the trail takes you to a spot like Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio). However, a stress-free visit is essential for helping kids grow strong teeth and learn healthy habits. And as important as it is to tackle dental anxiety in big and little wranglers, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy task.
To help parents out, we’re aiming to give you our top three tips to keep jitters away during your child’s next checkup with your local pediatric dentist. Use these top-notch tactics to ensure the next appointment is as easy as a prairie breeze (and doesn’t feel like a Texas tornado).
Giddy up, partner; let’s rustle up some smiles at the dentist!
Keep Up That Can-Do Attitude
Did you know that more than a fifth of our little ones are afraid of the dentist? We get it. Between potential pokes and other scary unknowns, there are a lot of what-ifs going through a young patient’s mind when they mosey in! Our secret is to take away the uncertainty of the dentist, calm those nerves, and make patients feel like the reins are in their hands. And this method for how to keep a child calm at the dentist doesn’t start in the patient’s chair – it begins at the homestead!
It’s easier than you think to pack your saddlebag full of “this isn’t my first rodeo”—just pick the right dentist, start treatment early, and be a good role model.
Choose the Right Watering Hole
Choosing where to hitch your horse is one of the most essential parts of setting up your little one for success. That’s why we always recommend saddling up with a pediatric dentist for the best children’s dental health. Spots like Howdy Pediatric Dental Studio have kid-friendly spaces, staff trained to work with children, and ways to help young patients feel comfortable and confident about their visit.
Pediatric dentists also have more than just regular dental know-how — they spend extra years becoming pediatric dentistry specialists! Extra experience means a pediatric dentist can carefully monitor dental growth, teach good oral hygiene habits, and spot problems with teeth from an early age.
Bring Buckaroos Before Their 1st Birthday
When should you bring your child to the dentist for the first time? Blaze a trail of strong and happy smiles for your youngster right from the start by bringing them in before their first birthday. This recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is guaranteed to get your kiddo used to the dentist from the time they’re babies. Happy days at the dentist help kiddos look forward to annual cleanings and cavity check-ups, starting from day one.
Remember, You’re Their #1 Smile Partner
Young whippersnappers learn from watching their heroes – and that means you, parents! Even if the dentist gets your knees knockin’, don’t let your little ones know. Lasso those fears and stow them for the journey. Talk about how excited you are to go to your own appointments or be extra enthusiastic when meeting the dentist. By staying calm and confident, you can inspire high spirits, brave hearts, and shining smiles when visiting the pediatric dentist!