Good oral practices are essential to a child’s overall health. These practices need to be instilled in a child early so he can carry them over to adulthood. Children are very impressionable—everything they experience, and whatever habits they may develop, is sure to affect their future lives significantly. That’s why kids need to be taught the value of good oral health at an early age.

Dental Fears

Among the most important good oral habits that you can teach your child is the importance of visiting an Indianapolis dentist regularly. Sadly, one thing that hinders many of today’s children from getting the professional oral care they deserve is dental fear. Many kids associate dentists and dental appointments with pain, and because of this, children refuse to go to their dentists, even for just a simple checkup.

Preventing dental fear in children

To prevent your kids from developing dental fear, Julie Revelant of Fox News offers a few useful tips:

Start brushing early.

Even if your baby doesn’t have teeth, you should clean his gums with a baby toothbrush, finger cot or wet cloth after each feeding. Introducing good oral hygiene at an early age prepares kids for examinations and cleanings later on.

See the dentist before the first birthday.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist when the first tooth erupts or by age one. Early dental visits get your child used to the dentist and can prevent dental problems and anxiety about dental procedures in the future.

Talk about it.

Read a book about going to the dentist, explain what to expect or tell your kids about your own positive experience.

Practice at home.

Have your kids sit in a recliner or on the couch and pretend to examine and clean their teeth at home so they’ll know what to expect.

A dentist’s role

Apart from your responsibility as a parent, your dentist also plays a role in allaying your child’s dental fear. To address dental fear in children, a good family dentist ensures that everything inside the office is constantly child-friendly. The design, furniture, and most especially the staff are intended to create a lively and friendly atmosphere. Through these features, children can feel less anxious while waiting for their turn.

‘First impressions last’ is a phrase that’s especially true in children. For a stress- and anxiety-free dental visit, make sure to take your child to a dentist in Indianapolis you can trust.

(Source: Afraid of the dentist? 9 tips to calm your child’s dental fears, Fox News, Feb. 23, 2014)