Getting Your Child Ready For The Dentist's Office And Overcoming Fear
Posted on: 20 February 2015
If your child is nervous to go to the dentist, there are many things that you can do as a parent to make the experience a good one. There is no way to get around the fact that a trip to the dentist might involve some less-than-fun exams and procedures. Even though going to the dentist can be scary, if your child is involved in the process these tips can help immensely.
Here are three ways to make going to the dentist an easier experience for your child.
1. Source a Great Pediatric Dentist
If you can find a dentist that loves kids and has a reputation to ease worries and make visiting the dentist more fun, you will be more equipped to keep your child's fears at bay. A dentist such as Children's Dental Center Of Central Iowa PLC that will explain what is going on to a child in terms that they can understand, rather than talking over them directly to parents, can make all of the difference. Children should be involved with the process and feel included in their own dental procedures.
2. Explain to Your Child What to Expect
The worst thing that you can do is not mentally prepare your child for a trip to the dentist. Before you take them in for a check-up or procedure, make sure that they know what is coming and what to expect. If you have an older sibling that can help explain what it's like when they go to the dentist, this can also relieve their fears. If children understand the process and why sometimes mildly painful procedures might occur, they will be more prepared.
3. Be Strong for Your Child
You might not even realize it, but you might be nervous for your child as well. Your child will be reading you for cues, and if you are nervous on the way to the dentist, your child will pick up on this and react. Check in with yourself and make sure that you are at ease. Put on a strong front for your child on the way to the dentist's office.
Dental fears can be headed off quickly and you can keep children at ease with a little preparation, especially with advancements in pediatric dentistry. If follow-up appointments are needed that might involve procedures, make sure that your child is prepared for the visit and understands why further work is a must. Your child might still be a little apprehensive of the dentist, but heading off any undo fear is easy to do and will make trips to the children's dentist easier for everyone.
Share