A visit to the dentist is dreaded by many families. The dental office, after all, is an unfamiliar environment with strangers wearing masks. It has strange smells and sounds. Some children find the bright lights and buzzing of tools to be overstimulating. Others struggle with being expected to hold still for such a length of time.

Fortunately, there are ways to make the experience easier on everyone. Start with these five tips:

1. Find the right office. Look for a pediatric dentist. They specialize in children. Their offices are designed to be more comfortable and inviting to children, with toys and books. Some even have video game systems set up in the waiting room. My daughter looks forward to playing for a few minutes after her time in the dentist’s chair. One option in the Little Rock area is Kitchens Pediatric Dentistry, located in west Little Rock (868-3331). The lobby is designed to look like a treehouse and the exam rooms feature nature-inspired scenery on the walls.

2. Start early. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as soon as a child’s first tooth comes in—usually between ages six months and twelve months—the child should be taken to a pediatric dentist. Children who see a dentist early in life get used to going and don’t mind visits when they are older.

3. Tell kids what to expect. Read books about going to the dentist. Explain to your child any procedures he will be having. Remind him of his last visit.

4. Don’t lie. If your child is going to have a shot or get a cavity filled, don’t minimize the chance of discomfort or pain. I once told my daughter a shot wouldn’t hurt. Well, it did, and it was even more traumatic for her because she felt that I’d lied to her. Shots often hurt.

5. Practice good dental hygiene at home. Brush and floss your child’s teeth daily to help keep teeth and gums healthy. Healthy gums and clean teeth can help make dentist visits shorter and easier. Limit sweets and serve your child a balanced, healthy diet.

By preparing your child in advance, you’ll walk into the next appointment feeling more comfortable. Yes, the dentist without tears is possible—now that’s a milestone to note in the baby book.

Dental Emergencies

Kids are rough on just about every part of their bodies. When a dental emergency happens with your kids, quick action on your part is crucial. Here are some pointers from Bryan Dunlap, DDS, to help relieve the initial trauma of a dental emergency.

Knocked out tooth: "It’s vital to get the child to a dentist or the emergency room ASAP. Even if the child still has baby teeth, keep the affected tooth in place if possible. Try putting the tooth back into its socket or in milk. If your dentist can work on the tooth within a short time—usually an hour—it may be possible to save it."

Cracked tooth: "Rinse the mouth with warm water and put cold compresses on the face to alleviate swelling. Again, get to the dentist or the ER quickly."

Lip or tongue bite: "Clean the area with water and apply a cold compress."

General toothache: "Gently floss to remove food that may be caught between teeth and causing the ache. Rinse with warm water to clean out the mouth. Don’t put aspirin or any other pain reliever tablet on the area."

Object stuck in teeth: "Try to gently remove it with floss. Don’t use a sharp or pointed instrument, like scissors or a knife."

Rachael Moshman is a mom, freelance writer and blogger.  She has a master’s education with a focus on infant and toddler development. Find her at RachaelMoshman.com.

Dr. Bryan Dunlap is the owner of Dunlap Dental in Little Rock. He can be reached at 975-1539.