Dr. Janet French, DDS: How to Introduce your Children to the Dentist
In order to instill good dental habits in your children from an early age, it’s important to make sure that their first visits to the dentist’s office go well, and don’t feel scary, stressful or uncomfortable.
Dr. Janet French of Janet L. French, DDS, Family Dentistry PC has welcomed many families and their small children throughout her career and knows what both parents and their children need in order for the children’s first visits to the dentist to be as comfortable as possible. Based on her experience and knowledge, she gives her best advice to parents on how to plan and organize everything to ensure a smooth visit.
- Take your children to the dentist early on
Parents shouldn’t wait until there is a problem to take their children to the dentist for the first time, says Dr. Janet French. In fact, taking them to the dentist’s office early on (when their first teeth start growing), will serve two main purposes. First, children will get to know the staff and their dentist, and will also get familiar with the office, the space, and even to the different smells and sensations associated with a dental visit. It’s important that children meet their dentist in a situation that isn’t uncomfortable for them, and that they get familiar with the chair and with the different instruments. Second, the dentist will prepare parents about what to expect in relation to the growing teeth of their children and how to look out for eventual problems.
- Take their favorite blanket, toy or another object they love to help them feel more at ease
Unfamiliar situations, such as a visit to the dentist, might feel stressful to young children, which is why it’s important to make them feel comfortable and at ease, Dr. Janet French explains. A favourite toy often creates a sense of comfort for children and might make the whole experience more relaxing and less intimidating for them.
At the first couple of visits you might be asked to stay with your child or even hold them, but after a few times, you might be asked to wait outside, so that they can become more independent in that environment. This will depend on your child’s age and their comfort level at the dentist’s office, but a familiar object might be very helpful in such situations.
- Book an appointment at a time that isn’t busy
Scheduling appointments for non-peak times provides you with the better chance that your children won’t feel pressured or overwhelmed and won’t be waiting with other people who might be nervous or anxious themselves. Your dentist will be able to suggest less busy times for the first visits of your children to their office and will be glad to show them around and familiarize them with this new environment. At Janet L. French, DDS, Family Dentistry PC the staff always takes enough time to help children feel at ease, which, for Dr. Janet French is an absolutely essential step for dentists working with children.
- Don’t let your own anxiety show
Dr. Janet French believes that if you are nervous about going to the dentist for your own appointments, or if you are going to be having a complicated procedure, it’s much better to take a separate appointment for your children, especially if it’ll be their first time. Otherwise they will feel your nervousness and see their own dental visits as potentially scary and stressful. Additionally, it’s important to use positive terms and create a sense of excitement around the visit, and not make children see it as something that even adults fear.
Dr. Janet French’s Final Thoughts
Taking your children to the dentist is essential for their health and building lasting positive dental habits will provide them with the necessary background for oral health. Each of these steps will help you to assimilate your children with the dental office and build their confidence for the next visit.
