It's crucial to take your child to the dentist from time to time. This helps them by keeping their teeth healthy and promoting good oral hygiene habits. Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 20% of kids between the ages of five and 11 have at least one decayed tooth currently untreated? It's imperative to get these things checked out. Unfortunately, kids aren't always eager to go to the dentist. You may find yourself having a hard time getting them excited for their routine dental checkups. Here are some tips to help you get them there.

Start Early

One of the best ways to get your child comfortable with dentist visits is to start them at an early age. You should start routine visits when their first tooth appears. If your child grows up knowing it's normal to visit the dentist, they will just think that it's a normal part of life. In that case, they likely won't have problems doing it. Early visits to dentists can also help you find out more about the correct ways to brush your child's teeth. Baby teeth can last as long as 13 years, so you should take proper care of them even if they'll be replaced at some point.

Find Ways to Make the Visits Fun

You must never wait until your child experiences a dental problem to visit the dentist. While the pediatric dentist will do everything possible to make sure your child is comfortable during each visit, you also need to find ways to make the dental visits fun. This means doing them even when everything is normal. This will let them know that dentists aren't a sign of trouble, but rather a resource to help avoid problems. Find fun and interesting facts about children's teeth, then share them with your child. This will help promote a sense of familiarity with dental health.

Play Pretend Dentist

One of the best ways to prepare your child for dentist visits is to play pretend. In most instances, the child finds the dentist's office a strange place due to the different noises and smells. Playing pretend dentist helps your kids get acquainted with the process. This will also go a long way in making your child more comfortable with someone else touching their teeth. As you play, make sure you explain the importance of having their teeth checked. This will help the child understand why it has to happen in the first place.

Dental visits involve a lot of patience. For instance, your child will be told to sit still, open their mouth, and do a bunch of other things. If you're looking to help them feel more comfortable, a good place to start would be finding a reliable dentist. Give us a call at Shoreview Dental today to get started; we would love to help!