One of the hardest things to do is to as an adult is to get children to go to the dentist and not to be afraid. Here are some tips to help make it easier for you and your child.
- Start them young – introducing them to us early on can create a positive bond, don’t wait until there is a dental problem which can have the opposite affect.
- Keep It Simple – there’s no need to go into too much detail about what happens at a check-up, keep it simple to prevent unnecessary anxiety.
- Mind Your Language – don’t say, ‘Don’t worry. It won’t hurt.’ Of course you mean to reassure your child but his mind is going to zero in on the word hurt. Checkups and 90%of first visits are nearly always pain-free, so steer clear of that concept entirely.
- Playtime – why not have a pretend ‘playtime’ visit to the dentist at home, but remember to keep it simple and fun!
- No Storytelling – many of us have stories of our dental visits and not all of them pleasant, don’t tell these stories while your children are around, they pick up on more than you think.
- The Importance of Teeth – teach your child that visiting the dentist is a necessity, that the dentist will take care of their teeth so that they are strong enough for them to eat. You might also explain that the dentist helps keep cavities at bay and ensures that our patients will have a beautiful smile for years to come.
- Don’t offer bribes – don’t promise your child a special treat if they behave well at the dentist. Doing so will only increase their apprehension. Saying, “If you don’t fuss or cry, you’ll get a lollipop,” might make your little one think, “What’s so bad about the dentist that I might want to cry?” Promising a sugary treat also sends the wrong message after a dentist emphasises having clean, healthy teeth by avoiding sweets that can cause cavities.
- Before and during your child’s dental appointment, focus on ways to keep yourself calm and positive. That can really make a big difference in helping your child feel more at ease. Seeing you calm and relaxed shows your child how they should act, too
Useful websites
