Blog / By Mendota Springs Dentistry
It can be a tough task for parents to get your child to the dentist, particularly if your child has peers with negative experiences before. When you’re not sure how to get your child happy with dental check-ups, then you’re not alone. Here are five tips to help your child surmount any anxiety and genuinely enjoy dental visits.
Show them what they’re up for
Fear may have its origins in the unknown. Visiting the dental office website you plan to visit can be helpful in showing your child pictures of the office. Ask for a rundown of the appointment when you call the office to arrange a meeting, so you can relay it to your child later. Explain that the dentist will also do the same sort of thing as you do when you clean the child’s teeth. The more knowledge the child has, the more they feel motivated.
Be frank and fair
When your child needs dental work, lying about issues like how cavities are handled could be tempting. Honesty is the best policy but remember to use terms that are not intimidating to your child. If your child is scared of visiting dental, ask them to tell you precisely what they are; try listening and knowing how they might feel. Answer those questions and cite your positive dental visit experiences.
Never portray the dentist as scary
Children need to know that for their dentists are super heroes. Explain to your children that they only get two sets of teeth and we’ve got to take good care of them because they’ve got to last for life. Explain that dental visits, similar to brushing and flossing, are part of that routine. You must take your child to the dentist twice a year according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Such visits will start when your child begins to get his / her first set of teeth, or at around one point.
Keep it fun!
Showing your child pictures of the dental office – as we mentioned earlier in the first step – can eventually spark some excitement. Going to the dentist is yet another adventure! Using positive words like “we get to go to the dentist” instead of “we have to go to the dentist” can also be useful in making it enjoyable.
Be there with your kid during treatment
At your child’s appointment, being physically present goes a long way to making sure they feel confident and safe. Separation from the parent may cause anxiety and/or fear for many children. Make sure the person arranging your appointment is ok with you staying with your child during the visit ‘s duration.
Apart from eating healthy foods and having good oral hygiene, getting your child to the dentist is the most effective way of supporting healthy teeth. Need the best dentist for kids in Fitchburg WI? Click here!
We look forward to meeting you.
Call (608) 237-6080 or schedule an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.