A child's first tooth cleaning can be an exciting, yet challenging event. As a parent, it is your responsibility to help your child establish good oral habits and health. According to the CDC, 52% of kids will have a cavity in at least one of their primary teeth by the age of eight. It is important that you cut down the odds as much as possible by encouraging excellent oral habits in your child early on. The way you prepare your child for their first tooth cleaning will really set the stage for how they feel about the dentist for years to come. Let's look at some good ways you can prepare your child for this special day.

Choose a Dentist Carefully

The dentist you choose will have a huge impact on how your child feels about dental health in general. If your child has a negative first-time experience, it could create dental anxiety. This is sometimes hard to combat, but not impossible. Do your research and find the dentist that really works best for your family.

Meet the Dentist First

It is a really good idea to set up a time for your child to meet the dentist before the tooth cleaning. This gives your child an opportunity to get acquainted with the staff and the facility before they start to feel the stress of the actual cleaning. This can be a very laid-back event in which your child knows that they are having no procedures done. This is just a fun visit where they can meet a new friend.

Be Positive

It is very important that you present the entire check-up and tooth cleaning as a positive event. If your child senses any negativity from you, they will start to feel anxious. Talk to your child in a very positive way for several days before the visit to get them mentally prepared for the procedure. Explain to them exactly what will happen. You can even pretend to do cleanings on each other for fun!

If you are looking for a new pediatric dentist in your area, please call us today. At Premier Dental Care of Decatur, we take pride in our friendly staff and industry-leading dental services. Ensure your child has the in-depth dental care they deserve by scheduling an appointment at our office.