Dec 21 2016
It is not uncommon for children to be a little scared about the idea of visiting the dentist. In fact, experts confirm that some people carry the anxiety with them even until adulthood. It is, therefore, important for both parents and dentists to help children overcome the fear early on in their life. For the most part, kids will no longer be afraid to go to dental clinics if they will have positive experiences. Yes, the parents and the dentist have crucial roles to play to make this happen.
As parents, your goal is to keep your child at ease way before the actual visit. Do not use words such as "hurt" or "painful" when describing what to anticipate. If you have had negative experiences with a dentist in the past, do not bother sharing them. Those things will only magnify any fear your child may already have.
When your child asks you some questions, provide simple answers and leave it to the dentist to give detailed responses. Dental specialists are usually trained to explain things to children in a language that they can easily understand.
Perhaps most important of all, teach the importance of taking good care of his or her teeth early on. Do not forget to emphasize that the dentist's job is to help him or she achieve excellent oral health. You may want to pay a visit to your local library or bookstore to find children's books that are related to the subject. This can be a fun way to help your child become more excited about having their teeth checked or treated by a dentist.
All too many children grow up with a terrible fear of the dentist. Raising kids who are well adjusted is essential for their overall health and well-being. This includes being able to handle simple dental visits and procedures. There is help for parents who are raising kids with fears and need parenting advice to help them overcome their fears of the dentist. Patience, time and communication are essential to helping your child accept going to the dentist.
Start Your Child Off Early
A lot of parents are never advised by their kids' pediatricians that a baby's first dental visit should occur once a tooth erupts through the gums. If you didn't start your child off early, you could be raising kids that will harbor fears of the dentist. You will see that there is help for parents who need to teach their older children that the dentist is a good guy.
Before You Make the Appointment
It's best to have a quality conversation with your children before you call the dentist's office. Parenting articles suggest that you explain to your child that going to the dentist is just as important as going to see their pediatrician. Raising kids who are health conscious is a paramount thing to do.
You must use your excellent parenting skills to let your child know that the dentist is his friend. Talking to your child about what the dentist will do is important while raising kids. The knowledge that you provide your child with will help them to overcome their fears of the dentist.
Finding the Right Dentist
Some dentists specialize in pediatric dentistry. They are usually very kind and gentle people that genuinely care about children and their dental health. You will need to do a little research to find the right dentist for your kids in your area.
Previews Are Important
It may sound silly to some parents but letting the child see the dentist's office is beneficial, especially if you are raising kids that are afraid of the dentist. Most dental offices are more than happy to provide help for parents that want their children to be comfortable in the dentist's office. Only call the dental office and request help for parents.Most dental offices will set up a time for your child to explore the dentist's office. He will be able to meet the staff and learn all about what will occur when he has his appointment. This is an easy way for parents raising children to become more familiar with the dental office and its staff.
Going to the Dental Office
It's best for parents to keep their children as relaxed as possible before their dental visits. You must allow your child to burn off their energy before the appointment at the dentist's office. A fidgety child can make a dental appointment problematic.
Take your child to the park or another place where they can be active and run around. You should play too as parenting children means that you can get down and dirty every once in a while too. Your baby should be tuckered out before the actual dental appointment.
The Bribe
When a parent is dealing with a fearful child, rewards are allowed. You should let your child know that if he allows the dentist to do his job without problems, he will get something special. You can take your child to the ice cream shop, or allow extra television time or an outing to the movies will work wonders in helping kids overcome their fears of the dentist.
