1. Start Dental Care Early.
The earlier your child starts visiting the dentist, the better! It’s best if the very first visit starts at the age of 1 or when the first tooth is visible. This helps to create a dental home, where all dental needs from preventative to emergency can be taken care of.2. Don’t Overly Discuss the Visit.
As the parent, it’s important that you stay calm. If you show any worry that the child should be scared, they will. When preparing for a visit, don’t include too many details. This will raise more questions, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Keep a positive attitude, but don’t give the child false hope that it’s going to be fun.3. Use Your Words Carefully.
When discussing a visit to the dentist, don’t use any words such as shot, hurt or pain. Leave the vocabulary to your dentist in Springfield, MO. He or she is trained to work with children and can help ease their nerves by creating a game out of it and making it fun. You can use positive phrases such as clean, strong and healthy teeth to make the visit seem like a good thing.4. Avoid Using Bribery.
By asking your child not to fuss or cry, you’re insinuating that there’s something to worry about. Attempting to use bribery will only increase their apprehension. In addition, promising a sugary treat also sends the wrong message after the dentist emphasizes having clean, healthy teeth by avoiding sweets that cause cavities. Instead, praise your child after the visit for their good behavior. Occasionally, you can surprise him or her with a sticker or small toy for encouragement (but don’t promise it in the beginning).
5. Role Play and Read Books about the Dentist.
You can find a variety of children’s books about the dentist that have fun colorful pictures, putting your child’s mind at ease. These books outline what the dental visit will include and uses funny characters to demonstrate that it’s not so bad. In addition to reading, you can also role play. Sometimes acting out the situation can help alleviate fears. Set up a pretend dentist’s chair and pretend to be the dentist. Check their teeth, talk about x-rays and pretend to look in their mouth and count teeth. Talk to your child about how to brush his or her teeth. Let your child play the role of the dentist too, to make it more fun. Now your child will be a little better prepared for the real thing.6. Stress the Importance of Dental Hygiene.
Without scaring your child and telling him or her that all their teeth will fall out, stress the importance of clean, healthy teeth. Teach your child that visiting the dentist is a necessity, not a choice. Tell your child the dentist will help ensure their teeth are strong enough for him or her to eat. You might also explain that the dentist makes sure patients have a beautiful smile for years to come. The dentist will reinforce the importance of dental hygiene as well.At Access Dental, we love kids! We work hard to make your child’s first dental experience a positive one. Our goal is to establish good dental care habits, help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and to teach them how to care for their teeth. Give our Southern Missouri dentist office a call at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment for your child today!
We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+
Springfield Office Rolla Office Osage Beach Office Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048 (573) 426-5447 (573) 348-1466 (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine 416 S. Bishop Ave. 4320 Osage Beach Pkwy 921 N. Main St.
Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove
No comments:
Post a Comment