7 ways to prepare your child for the Dentist

7 ways to prepare your child for the Dentist

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My youngest loves the dentist but my older one is very much like me; has no reason to be scared but isn’t a fan of the unknown and can tell he is a little anxious the minute he gets in the chair. He’s not scared, refuses to go or doesn’t cooperate but the dentist does need to break every now and then for him to take a breath and relax. Children dental care is FREE don’t forget until they are 16 so there is no excuse to NOT take your child to the dentist. If either you are them are a little apprehensive don’t worry, stay calm and read these top tips on how to prepare your child for the dentist.

Children’s dental care

Book yourself in at the same time and you go first

Show them there’s nothing to be scared of and remember to stay positive!  Even if you’re nervous yourself try your hardest to NOT show it – your dentist will know if you or your children are a little anxious without you telling them.  If they don’t then you want another dentist!

Sit small children on your knee while you are being seen to

The dentist can sometimes look at theirs whilst they are sat there and its not as scary as being in the big chair.  Some children like it and might want to… mine likes to slide down when she’s finished!  Just let them do what they want to do to make them comfortable.

child laid on dentist chair with dentist looking at teeth with bright light and metal tools

In the build up don’t make it a big issue

Just keep as relaxed and things as normal as possible. If you fuss or make it a big issue they will start to wonder if it’s something they should be worried about or overthink things.  Just mention in conversation that next week they are going to dentist or that a doctor is going to look at their teeth if that makes more sense to them if they are too small to understand.

Ensure the child that initially seems most scared DOESN’T go first

Chances are if you have multiple children you will be taking them all together. Let the one that’s even just a little bit more confident sit in the big cool moving chair first.  Should the confident one sees a negative reaction from the other they may start to worry and wonder if there’s something they too should be scared of.

picture of two toothbrushes on a white surface and blue toothpaste coming out of the tube slightly

Play dentist before you go

Do pretty much what the dentist will do so they know exactly what to expect and let them do it to you!  In the build up when they/you brush their teeth is a great opportunity to role play being at a dentist.

Avoid bribery

That’s not going to help anyone and little one will remember and associate the dentist with something to play up to because they get a treat.

Reward AFTER the check up

My dentist when I was younger used to give me a sticker every time I went; it was more than enough. I did it!

If you got value out of my 7 ways to prepare your child for the dentist or feel someone else may benefit then feel free to share or PIN to read again later!

7 ways to prepare your child for the Dentist

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About The Money Saving Mum

About The Money Saving Mum

I've always been financially savvy but when the kids came along I needed to up my game! Our finances and priorities changed overnight and it felt like I was spending money as if it was going out of fashion! I needed to start earning extra money just to make ends meet and continuously make sure we got the most out of every single penny we had! Sound familiar? Keep reading... I'm sharing my story to help people like you!

Kirsty

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I’m Kirsty.  A mother of two (three if you include the hubby!) and I created this blog back in 2016 as a way to make myself accountable for the savings I had to make myself to my day to life after reducing my hours at work.

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