Every parent wants to enhance the life of their child. Sometimes this means buying the latest toy, and sometimes this means taking care of their health. Proper preventative care can help extend a child’s lifespan and improve their quality of life, but some aspects of healthcare can be daunting for young children. The dentist is one of them. There are thousands of adults who dread going to the dentist, so it should come as no surprise that children can be terrified of the prospect.
The dentist office does not have to be a fearful experience if you are in the hands of a skilled pediatric dentist who is ready and able to put your child at ease as they assess their dental health. As the parent you also need to help set a warm and uplifting tone to help make trips to the dentist office become stress free. Here are a few tips towards building a positive relationship between your dentist and your child.
Remain Upbeat
It is important that you stay calm and positive at all times. If you are nervous about the dentist your child will pick up on it and likely this will influence his or her behavior. Therefore, you need to remain calm throughout the visit even if you feel a bit anxious about your child in the seat. Additionally, remember that your child is always listening even when you may not be thinking about it. Therefore, make sure you always speak positively about your trips to the dentist so that the only information they get about the dentist is positive.
Brief the Child on the Upcoming Visit
Children do best when you don’t sneak anything on them. Be honest and forthcoming about going to the dentist. Briefly explain to them what to expect at the dentist and explain the importance of keeping your child’s teeth clean. You don’t have to get technical because the pediatric dentist will be better skilled at explaining the process in terms kids can comprehend. However, answer any questions your children may have.
Role Play Prior to the Dentist
If you have a young child around the age of two or three then you may want to play dentist with your children before going to the dentist office. Words may not mean a lot to them at this age, but playing dentist will help prepare them. Talk about brushing teeth and describe how the dentist will use special tools to clean their teeth. Make it seem exciting instead of scary. Children’s shows often have episodes that show main characters visiting the dentist. Finding an episode of your child’s favorite show may also be helpful.
Model Good Dental Health
While a dentist can help a child maintain good dental health, you are the best example for your child. Make sure that you schedule regular checkups for your teeth and brush and floss on a regular basis. Your child will notice if you are cleaning your teeth and are likely to emulate your behavior, good or bad. By modeling good dental habits to your children you can ensure that your entire family has a positive dental experience for years to come.
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