Your child’s first dental appointment should be a positive one, so at Sprout Kids Dentistry we do everything we can to make sure they are calm and comfortable. However, toddlers can be squirmy, especially if they are feeling anxious. Our team is trained to handle nervous children to ensure a successful visit.
How to prepare for your appointment
Preparing your child for his or her appointment is very important to help ensure they don’t feel anxious and squirmy during their visit. The earlier you start going to the dentist and showing your child that there’s nothing to be afraid of, the better! Before your child’s appointment, avoid using scary words or phrases like “needle,” “shot,” “drill,” or “yank.” Instead, explain to your child that they are going to have their teeth cleaned, and it will be a fun experience. You might consider bringing along one of your child’s favorite blanket, or a small toy, to keep them comfortable. We understand that bringing your child to the dentist can be stressful, but it’s important that you stay calm and positive. Chances are, your child will follow suit.
During your child’s appointment
Most children will feel more comfortable if you stay in the room with them, but you should just be there to watch, not distract them. We have years of experience handling toddlers during their dental visits and know what to say during the exam to help them feel calm. We will explain everything we’re doing so there are no surprises. If your child is especially anxious and squirmy, we do provide laughing gas, a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen to help them feel relaxed. Kids are very impressionable, so having successful visits early on is very important to ensure a lifetime of good dental health and habits.
For more invasive procedures
Sometimes, kids get cavities or need more invasive dental work. We can offer conscious sedation or general anesthesia when necessary to make sure your child is completely comfortable during their procedure.
At Sprout Kids Dentistry, we are no strangers to nervous children! You can relax knowing our team knows how to make your child feel comfortable during treatment and we can successfully treat them even if they are a little squirmy. To learn more about our services or to schedule your child’s cleaning, contact our office.
Dr. Michelle Anderson is a pediatric dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
