It is a known fact most kids hate the idea of going
to the dentist. Between the frightening tools next to the uncomfortable chair and the inability to talk for the entire time, it is typically not their idea of a good time. In fact, it’s not really anyone’s idea of a good time, but as adults, we learn it is an essential part of our health. Plus, we want our white shining teeth to stay in our mouths for as long as possible. And, obviously, we want our kids’ teeth to do the same.
To take the fear and dread of the dentist out of your child’s mind, there are a few strategies to helping he or she to realize the regular trip to the dentist really isn’t all that horrific of an experience, especially for their first trip to the dentist.
Get Excited
Instead of planting the seed of dread in your child’s mind about going to the dentist, do the opposite: Get excited about your own dentist appointments, and chances are, it may rub off on your kid. It is a good idea to leave out any details of personal past unpleasant experiences with the dentist. The kids’ reaction to dentist visits is usually an outcome of conditioning and how they were taught to view the experience.
Reading books about going to the dentist beforehand can help kids understand what is going to happen and to lighten up any present fear. Try books like Timothy Tiger’s Terrible Toothache or Show Me Your Smile. Just make sure you think about your kid’s anxiety level. Some need plenty of time to prepare mentally, but if you know he or she is going to absolutely freak out when you tell them about the visit, give them less notification time.
At the Office
First off, it is not always the best idea to assume your dentist is the best place for a child. Make sure it is kid-friendly with lots of toys in the waiting room. If not, ask a friend with kids or find pediatric dentists online.
Give your child some power in the dentist’s chair. Let your little boy or girl bring a favorite stuffed animal to hold while in the chair and let them pick out the sticker and toothbrushes, and any other prizes offered at the end of the appointment. Sometimes dentists offer finger puppets, crayons and key chains. Any kind of prize will help your child feel like the dentist office is a fun place to be. On the other hand, avoid using incentives like promising a big award afterwards, because it will just make he or she think the dentists’ office is supposed to be a boring, or even scary place.
Additionally, The Academy of General Dentistry recommends parents talk with dentists privately before bringing the girl or boy into the picture, just to give the dentist some background information on the child. It is also important to tell dentists about a child’s issues related to fear and stubbornness, even in other parts of life.
Caroline Young is a full-time news reporter in Atlanta, a part-time freelance journalist and a yoga instructor. As a health enthusiast, she writes about health topics often in an effort to help others live the best lives they can. She’s a regular contributor to TopDentists.com, a dental health resource site.
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I like your tip to avoid offering a big reward after the dentist appointment. Like you said, doing so may lead your child to think that the dentist is a place to be afraid of, since simply going is worthy of a reward. Many pediatric dentists will offer stickers or toys after an appointment, but if you as a parent treat the visit as normal, your child should follow suit. Thanks for the tips!
He may take at least 10 trips to the dentist before starting kindergarten. To help ease future visits for your child (and for the dentist!), follow these steps so that he will feel comfortable and more relaxed.
Dr. Douglas Barker recently posted..Newport Center Smile Design
I appreciate your advice, many people don’t get that. I think we take our kids to the place like this.
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I liked your thought of finding a dentist online by which every parent would be able to judge the best dental hospital with top facilities of waiting room filled with toys for kids and friendly nature doctors.
I like that tip to express excitement at your own dental visits. Children learn how to approach things by imitating the people around them. Another good idea might be to spark their curiosity by teaching them things about how teeth work and how dentist’s do their job.
My kids hate the dentist office! My new dentist in Pasadena, Tx, Town Square Dental, have been a huge help, though, in trying to get my kids to like their visits! I’m still trying new things!
I had my little girl bring her stuffed bear to Hirsch Pediatric Dentistry in Royal Palm Beach, FL 3341 and she never felt so at peace with everything. It was a tough ride, but I think we found a loophole to the madness.
Very true. My daughter was scared of going to the dentist but I showed her the pictures of Bloomfield Pediatric Dentistry in Bloomfield, CT and looking at the ambience, she felt interested and hence, we could successfully get her oral examination done. Making it fun is the point to remember!
Dental care and good oral hygiene are an important part of every child’s daily routine. Regular dental care not only helps in improving your kid’s oral health but also prevents any painful oral problems. The oral care needs are different in kids throughout their childhood, therefore parents should encourage good oral habits right from the beginning.