How to Make Dental Visits Fun for Your Kids
Dental visits can be a source of anxiety for children. We understand how challenging it can be to convince your kids to go to the dentist, especially if they’re afraid or anxious about it. If this is one of the struggles in your household, you are not alone. We know that many parents face the same challenge when it comes to dental visits, so we put together this blog post to share our top tips and tricks.
With a little creativity and preparation, dental visits can become a positive experience for you and your child. A child’s perception of dental care starts early, and our family-friendly dental practice provides high quality care with your child in mind. Establishing a fun and comfortable routine around dental care ensures kids develop healthy habits and lays the foundation for good oral health.
Here are some of the ways that we make dental visits fun for your kids, and how you can help them prepare for their appointments:
Before the Appointment
- Start early: The earlier you introduce your kids to the dentist, the better. We recommend you start their dental visits as soon as the first baby tooth has emerged. This way, they can get used to the dental environment and the dentist, and prevent any potential problems from developing.
- Educate: Teach your kids about the importance of dental health and hygiene, and how the dentist can help them keep their teeth and gums healthy and strong. You can also use books, videos, or games to explain what happens at the dentist, and what to expect during the visit.
- Role Play: You can try role-playing a mock dental visit at home. You can do this by using a toothbrush to "examine" your child’s teeth, mimicking what happens at a routine visit, then letting your child be the dentist too. This familiarity can make real visits less intimidating.
- Choose the right time: Schedule the appointment when your child is well-rested and relaxed. Avoid scheduling the appointment during nap time, mealtime, or when your child is likely to be tired or cranky. This will help your child feel more comfortable and cooperative during the visit.
- Be a good role model: Bringing your child along to your dental appointments is a great way to help them feel more confident and familiar with the dental setting. Children follow the example of their parents, so use this as an opportunity to show them that you are not afraid of the dentist, and that you look after your teeth
During the Appointment
- Greet with a smile: When you arrive at the dental practice, greet the staff and the dentist with a smile and try to keep a positive attitude. Show your child that you trust the dentist and that you are not nervous or anxious.
- Stay Positive: Avoid expressing any fear or discomfort, as this can affect your child’s mood and behaviour. Instead, praise your child for being brave and cooperative, and reassure them that everything will be fine.
- Let the dentist lead: The dentist is trained and experienced in dealing with children and knows how to make them feel comfortable and safe. Let the dentist lead the appointment and follow their instructions and suggestions.
- Try not to interfere: Please don’t interfere or contradict the dentist, as this can confuse or upset your child. If you have any questions or concerns, ask these before or after the appointment, or in private.
- Have fun: The dentist may use playful techniques and tools to make the visit fun and engaging for your child. You can join in the fun and support your child by smiling, laughing, and clapping along.
After the Appointment
- Celebrate and reward: After the visit, congratulate your child for doing a great job. You can also reward them with a small treat, such as a healthy snack, a toy, or an activity that they enjoy. This will help them associate dental visits with positive outcomes and reinforce their good behaviour.
- Follow up and maintain: Follow the dentist’s advice and recommendations on how to care for your child’s teeth and gums at home. You can also schedule regular dental visits for your child, at least once every six months, to keep their teeth and gums healthy and prevent any problems from developing.
- Make oral health a habit: Make sure your child develops a good oral health routine. You can create a reward system for activities like brushing or use colourful toothbrushes, flavoured toothpaste, or music.
Check out our oral health habit tracker for children here.
Making dental visits fun for kids is about creating positive associations and a sense of safety. With these tips, you can help your child embrace dental care as an enjoyable and essential part of life. At Lancashire Smiles Dental, we are dedicated to providing the best dental care for you and your family, in a friendly and comfortable environment. We look forward to seeing you and your kids soon!
To book an appointment with us, please call us on 01772 342929, email us at smiles@lancashiresmiles.co.uk , or fill out our online smile assessment form. can also follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest news and offers.
Thank you for reading our blog post, and we hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below, or contact us directly. We would love to hear from you. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family, and to subscribe to our blog for more dental tips and tricks.
