Children often have big dreams about what they want to be when they grow up, whether it’s an astronaut, artist, doctor, or firefighter. If your child expresses an interest in becoming a dentist, countless dental toys are not only great for building their imagination but also for reducing anxiety and teaching early oral hygiene habits. Here are just a few you might want to consider.
Benefits of Dental Toys
Whether you have a toddler or a school-aged child who enjoys pretend play, or they express nervousness at the idea of visiting the dentist’s office, dental toys can be the answer. Here are a few benefits you might not have previously thought of:
- Pretend play is encouraged among small children. By offering a mouth mold and oversized toothbrush, your child can play as if they are a dentist cleaning a patient’s teeth. This can introduce them to a valuable profession – one they might be drawn to as they get older.
- Dental toys help curb anxiety. If you have a child who is afraid to visit the dentist’s office, these toys can help ease nerves by introducing them to the different instruments and helping them become familiar with what they can expect.
- Dental toys can be used to educate little ones about the importance of good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Showing them how to brush properly and floss can help them adopt these practices when it’s time to clean their teeth and gums in the morning and at night.
Which Dental Toys Are Best?
Dental toys are abundant on the market, but choosing the right one(s) for your child means knowing what they will like and not like. Some helpful recommendations include:
- Our Generation offers a dentist playset and accessories that include everything from a dental scaler to an air/water syringe. With their doll, your child can practice cleaning their teeth and learn what the inside of a tooth looks like.
- Crocodile Dentist is a timeless game that requires participants to press down on a tooth. If a bad one is pressed, the croc closes its mouth, meaning you’re out. This can help start the conversation with your child about why it’s essential to take proper care of their teeth.
- A dentist role-playing kit can come with a first-aid bag, toothbrush, dental scaler, mirror, mouthpiece, and other instruments to encourage pretend play.
Whether you choose any of these toys or countless others, you can trust that your child will have a more positive outlook on the dentist’s office, all while having plenty of fun at home.
About the Author
Dr. Roxanne Clarke has been changing the landscape of children’s smiles since 2009. Offering comprehensive services and anxiety-free solutions to Towson’s youngest patients, she enjoys making dental appointments enjoyable. After earning her dental degree at the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry, she completed a two-year specialty program in pediatric dentistry. If you want to encourage your child’s interest in the dental field, visit our website or call (443) 241-7575.