Dental care is very important for us, as well as our children. Since most children don't brush their teeth as well as they should, it is even more important that they visit a dentist regularly.
Just like many adults have a fear of the dentist, children can too. They feed off of their parent's fear and many of them act really scared when they are in the office.
However, it is our job, as a parent, to ensure that our child's dental visits go smoothly. Here are some ways to help make that happen.
Choose the right dentist
Not every dentist is good with children. Because of this, you shouldn't just take your child to any dentist that is convenient to your home.
Instead, you should ask around to find one that is used to young children and able to put them at ease. Many dentists specialize in children and they take extra classes in order to learn how to make an appointment go as easily as possible for a child.
Make sure that the environment is comfortable
Not all dental offices are created the same. Offices geared toward children are often painted in bright colors. Staff members often wear brightly colored scrubs that are fun for children to look at.
Staff members also make sure that they are creating a safe place for your child that is also fun.
Start early
In order to get your child off to a good start in dental health, it is important that you take him or her for a regular checkup every six months, starting around their first birthday.
The earlier that you start and the more that you take your child, the easier dental visits will be.
They will be something that is necessary for your child, not something to be feared (because they never go).
Prepare your child for the visit
It is important that you prepare your child before you even walk through the door. Talk to them about what is going to happen while they are there. A dentist is going to brush their teeth and look inside of their mouth in order to keep their teeth healthy.
There are many books on the subject that you may want to read to your child to prepare him or her for the big day.
Keep your anxiety at bay
As a parent, you have to swallow your fear. Your child will feed off of it and you can ruin the whole visit. Never mention fear of the dentist.
If you are too afraid, it may be better to have someone else talk to your child and take him or her to the dentist.
Consider a therapy dog
A therapy dog who has a calm and loving personality can really make a difference.
We have Sadie, a Cockapoo that is non-shedding and hypo-allergenic, to help make our patients have a calming visit. She will even sit on your child's lap if needed.
It is important to do everything that you can do to ensure that your child has a good visit to the dentist. If not, you are looking at a struggle every six months.
Because of that, you need to choose the right dentist. You also need to keep your anxiety at bay or your children will feed off of it.
Don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment for your child's dental needs. We hire only the best dental hygienists and staff members so that children learn that they don't need to fear the dentist.
We would be happy to discuss our office and how we can make your child have a smooth dental visit every time!
