If you recently moved to a new town, and you have a child, it is likely you will be on the hunt for a new dentist to do oral care procedures for them as needed. A toddler may be a bit apprehensive about going to a new facility, making it a bit difficult for them to relax and allow procedures to be done for their scheduled appointment. Here are some steps that can be taken in advance of a dental appointment to make the transition in seeing a new practitioner a bit easier.
Take A Tour Of The Facility
Bringing your child to a new dentist’s office before making them an appointment will allow them to get used to the facility before their big day. This also allows for your child to meet the employees and the dentist, making them more likely to be at ease when they meet up with these people during a subsequent visit. Ask the dentist if your child can sit in the dental chair and be sure that employees are on-hand to answer any questions your child has.
Allow The Child To Watch A Family Member
Bringing your child along when you or another family member have an appointment of their own will help to set their mind at ease for when it is their turn to sit in the dental chair. Your child can watch quietly from a chair in the corner of the room. They will see first hand what procedures are conducted and will get used to the voices of the people who work in the facility.
Discuss The Appointment In The Days Before It Arrives
Many toddlers get excited when they accomplish a new task. Talking about the upcoming appointment with them will help in getting them excited for the day. Make sure to discuss proper oral hygiene tactics via storytelling or crafts to help your child associate their trip to the dentist as a fun event.
Your toddler may already be comfortable with another dentist, so switching things up can sometimes feel daunting. By following the steps above, you should be able to mitigate their apprehension. Schedule an appointment with us today to get your toddler off on the right foot tooth.