At the dental office of Drs. Caldwell & Steinbring, we understand that the dentist can seem a little scary, especially for our youngest patients. We will do everything in our power to welcome your child into a friendly, safe environment where they can feel comfortable with our pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, Texas. Additionally, there are some things you can do as a parent to help decrease or eliminate any fear or anxiety your child may feel while at the dentist.
No Dental Fear Here!
Our kid’s dentist in Sugar Land, TX recommends taking the following steps to ensure your child feels confident and comfortable while getting their teeth cleaned at the dentist.
1. Start Young: Children should first see their pediatric dentist around the age of 1. Not only will this allow our Sugar Land pediatric dentist to provide a foundation for good oral health, but it will also encourage your little one to get to know our office, experience sitting in the dental chair, and feel comfortable while getting their teeth checked.
2. Keep it Simple & Positive: Prior to each dental visit, keep the description of the dentist simple and positive. Avoid going into too many details because your child may not understand and this could create fear. Instead, try to speak with a positive voice and make the dentist an exciting place to go.
3. Play Pretend: An easy way for your child to get used to the dentist (or the doctor!) is to play pretend before their visits. You can try having a dental visit with their stuffed animals, dolls, or action figures. And then try having a dental visit with them. This will allow your child to understand that Dr. Larry Caldwell is nothing to be afraid of.
4. Don’t Bring Your Child to Your Visit: Some parents believe if they bring their children to their own dental visits, the child might become more comfortable with the dentist. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the opposite. It can be a little frightening to watch an adult undergo a dental visit, especially if they have more intense dental work that needs to be done.
5. Don’t Promise Treats: Sometimes it may seem easier to offer your child a treat or a little bribe if they “behave properly” at the dentist. We also do not recommend this. Your child may become more scared or anxious if they are told “don’t cry and you can have some candy”. They will then question why they would cry or is it going to hurt? Instead, keep it simple and positive and your child will have no problem!
Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit with Our Kid’s Dentist in Sugar Land, TX!
Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s first dental visit? Contact the dental office of Drs. Caldwell & Steinbring. Our pediatric dentists in Sugar Land will be happy to help you and your little one. Our kid’s dentistry proudly serves the Sugar Land, Richmond, and Rosenberg areas. Schedule your child’s first appointment online today! We look forward to meeting you soon.