Is Your Child Afraid Of The Dentist? Here's What You Can Do
Even though you know your child needs to see the dentist throughout the year, you might be reluctant to take them because they are afraid. Luckily, you can use the following four tips so that they can be more comfortable.
Reconsider Bringing Them to Your Appointments
You may think it's a fine idea to bring your child along with you to your own dentist appointments in order to get them used to being in a dentist's office. However, that might not be a good idea. You may wince during cleanings or exhibit signs that you're experiencing some level of anxiety without being aware of it. Not only that, but a dental office that caters to adults may be somewhat intimidating for a small child; you may instead seek out a family dentist or a children's dental care specialist.
Avoid Treats as Rewards
Before their dental appointment, you might offer your child ice cream or a lollipop as a reward if they don't cry or make a scene at the dentist, but that could be counterproductive for a number of reasons. For one thing, it is not supportive of healthy teeth to offer sweets and treats that contain sugar and could cause cavities. Not only that, but if you make an attempt to bribe your small child, it may plant the idea that something about the dentist might make them cry or misbehave.
Instead, wait until the visit is over before offering healthy treats and praise for behaving well.
Watch Your Words
It is important to be positive when talking about your child's upcoming visit to their dentist. Refrain from talking about shots for filling cavities or anything that could cause them pain. You may want to prepare them for any pain they might experience during the visit, but you could frighten them and they may overreact because they don't know what to expect.
Remain Calm
You may be nervous about your child's visit to the dentist, but it is vital that you remain as calm as you can be. Your child gets some cues from you about how they should feel about what is happening, and they can more than likely sense any discomfort you are feeling. Take deep breaths and do your best to remain calm, even if your child starts to fidget a little.
Making sure your child gets to the dentist is a wonderful way to start them on a lifelong path to good dental health. Using the information above, you can help them to be more comfortable. Ask your child's dentist for additional ideas to help your child. Visit http://www.childrensdent.com for more information.