When a child comes in for their dental visit with no preconceived negative ideas about the dentist it can make all the difference in the world. Children will often take on our fears if they have them so it’s important to start things off on the right foot. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a positive experience at the dentist:
Choosing the right words: Use words and phrases that are positive when discussing going to the dentist. Avoid words like “pain, shot, or drill” and instead use phrases like “let’s count your teeth” or “keep your mouth and teeth healthy” and “let’s make that smile shiny.”
When to start: Oral hygiene should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Getting your child used to coming to the dentist early on will help your child get accustomed. Not only will this allow you to stay on top of keeping the growing the teeth healthy, but if an emergency arises you child will already be familiar with the dentist.
Answer questions: Children will have questions and it’s important to answer them honestly. However try not to be too detailed and specific and keep answers as general as possible. As children’s specialists we are trained to explain details and answer questions in a child-friendly way with non-threatening language.
Use books and play: There’s many children’s books about dental visits featuring well no children’s characters that can be a fun read for your children before coming to the dental visit. Role playing “dentist and patient” with your child or a doll can let your child be familiar with what is going to happen at the dental visit.
What to avoid: If you have any fears of the dentist leave your child home when you have a dental appointment. Your child can pick up on this and develop their own fears. Don’t offer bribes or rewards in advance of the appointment saying if they are good they will get a reward. This can make your child wonder what is going to happen to make them uncomfortable. If you are unsure about what to say to your child let us know. As children’s specialists we have the experience to help make the visits comfortable and enjoyable for your children, and less stressful for you!
Choosing the right words: Use words and phrases that are positive when discussing going to the dentist. Avoid words like “pain, shot, or drill” and instead use phrases like “let’s count your teeth” or “keep your mouth and teeth healthy” and “let’s make that smile shiny.”
When to start: Oral hygiene should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Getting your child used to coming to the dentist early on will help your child get accustomed. Not only will this allow you to stay on top of keeping the growing the teeth healthy, but if an emergency arises you child will already be familiar with the dentist.
Answer questions: Children will have questions and it’s important to answer them honestly. However try not to be too detailed and specific and keep answers as general as possible. As children’s specialists we are trained to explain details and answer questions in a child-friendly way with non-threatening language.
Use books and play: There’s many children’s books about dental visits featuring well no children’s characters that can be a fun read for your children before coming to the dental visit. Role playing “dentist and patient” with your child or a doll can let your child be familiar with what is going to happen at the dental visit.
What to avoid: If you have any fears of the dentist leave your child home when you have a dental appointment. Your child can pick up on this and develop their own fears. Don’t offer bribes or rewards in advance of the appointment saying if they are good they will get a reward. This can make your child wonder what is going to happen to make them uncomfortable. If you are unsure about what to say to your child let us know. As children’s specialists we have the experience to help make the visits comfortable and enjoyable for your children, and less stressful for you!
"Sunlight Dental Clinic - The dentist in Richmondhill take pride in providing our patients with prime dental care that is effective, safe, and affordable. We consider the well being and satisfaction of our patients our top priority
ReplyDeleteFor more details visit: sunlight dental clinic "