It is the parents’ responsibility to accompany the children throughout the process. Whether it’s time to prepare before a visit to the dentist, or providing support and security once they’re in the dentist’s chair, kids will feel more secure and confident.
Here are some tips that you can put in place so that your children lose their fear of going to the dentist, and so that they never develop it:
Inform you of the actions
Whatever your child’s age, explain the type of procedures the dentist will perform at each visit. They will appreciate knowing what will happen.
This can be applied both for a simple routine check-up, as well as for fillings, tooth removal, or the placement of braces. Children will be calmer if they know the whole process, what tools will be used for it and, above all, that they will not feel pain or discomfort.
Encourage him to ask the dentist questions
Parents do not always have answers to many questions that children have. Leave it in the hands of those who know best. Encourage your young children to ask the dentist everything they want to know.
One aspect of pediatric dentists is that they are fully qualified to work with children. Willing to psychotherapy for children, she is able to provide them with confidence and calm, to establish a closer relationship.
Practice relaxation techniques
Sitting for a few long minutes in the odd chair of the dentist’s office is not pleasant for any child. Especially if they are very active children who cannot sit still for a long time.
A great help is to practice relaxation techniques before the consultation at home, and then implement them during the review and intervention.
Keep the child entertained
Those minutes in the waiting room before going to see the dentist are endless for some kids. On children’s visits, waiting rooms often contain toys and children’s books for their entertainment.
If this isn’t the case with your dentist, or if your child is entertained in a different way, don’t forget to reach for some toys to keep his mind occupied before entering. So the nerves will dissipate.
Choose a suitable time
The choice of time to visit the dentist affects the level of anxiety experienced by adults. For this reason, it is best to avoid those hours when children are most restless or excessively tired, so that they take it better.
If possible, experts recommend going with the kids to the dentist’s office in the morning. First thing in the morning, or right after school, are the best times for kids to get some extra encouragement and a better mood.
We must not forget that oral health care begins in children with the appearance of the first baby teeth, and that the role of the dentist is essential throughout their lives. Prevent children’s fear of going to the dentist from becoming a problem for your children to learn how to properly care for their teeth.
