Most kids feel nervous during first-time dental appointments. The best dentists try to build trust with children. However, parents are responsible for removing their kids’ fear and making them ready for the checkup.
Find a few tips for soothing your little ones before visiting a dental clinic in this guide.
Encourage positivity
Most kids are highly sensitive to their parents’ feelings. So, if you are concerned about your child’s dental visit, try to control your fear. You should not show your nervousness. Sometimes, your ill feelings towards dental checkups trigger your child’s fear. Let your kids accept the importance of dental checkups to maintain their teeth and gums.
Put your kids at ease
While talking to children about upcoming dental visits, you should provide some assurance. Let your children understand that they will not undergo painful processes. The dental expert will just analyse the teeth and gum health. Your kids should know that dentists also give instructions on how to maintain their teeth. Your motivation will help your little ones overcome fears.
Bring toys
You may bring some comfort toys to the dental clinic to make your kids feel secure and calm. Some dental clinics have toys to keep children occupied during the treatment.
A stuffed animal or your kid’s favourite toy will give a sense of comfort and security. It will also reduce your children’s anxiety during dental treatment.
Offer some exciting rewards
As a parent, you may also promise a gift to your kids after a dental checkup. For instance, you can promise them to watch a movie or a trip to an amusement park. But do not provide your kids with junk foods and sugary treats before or after dental checkups.
Choose the appropriate time for scheduling an appointment
Children and teens feel fresh and energetic in the morning. So, morning is the best time to meet the local dentist for a checkup. You must avoid the appointment when your little ones feel sleepy and groggy. Mealtime is also not good for a dental checkup. If your kids feel hungry, they will not cooperate with their dentists.
Role-play at your home
Role-playing is an amazing way to prepare your kids for a dental visit. Pretend to act as a dentist. On the other hand, your kids will be the patient. Create a dental visit scenario where you have to check and brush your children’s teeth. The role-playing exercise will remove the fear from their mind.
Tell your kids what happens at the dental clinic
During the dental checkup, the dentists will try to find the signs of decay and other potential issues with:
- Oral tissues
- Jaw
- Gums
The dental experts may also clean the kids’ teeth and determine if they need fluoride. They will talk about topics like:
- Bad oral habits (thumb sucking and lip sucking)
- Regular dental checkups
- Proper nutrition
- Teething
- Developmental dental issues
- Oral hygiene maintenance activities
Your kids will expect the right things if they know about these basic dental checkups. They will have no fear about the dental treatments.
My Family Dental is a trustworthy facility with certified dentists for kids’ dental exams. The experts offer teeth whitening, implants, and crowns. Choose the right facility and their first appointment will be a breeze!
