Children are often scared of anything new, including people they meet for the first time. Therefore, taking your child to the dentist unprepared can result to dental anxiety, even to the most mature kid. Preparing your child for his first trip to the dentist is like preparing him for his first day at school, or the arrival of a new baby in the family. A dental visit is an important milestone in your child’s life. A happy visit creates fond memories of the dentist that your child always remembers. A stressful, scary experience, on the other hand, elicits a bad memory; thus, leading to dental fear or anxiety.
You don’t have to be a psychologist to help your child prepare for his first dentist’s appointment. The important thing is to establish open communication with your child, pay close attention to his needs and know him by heart. A child who knows that you’re always there for him is more secure than one who feels he is being neglected. Here are several techniques that you can do to make your child’s first dental visit a truly happy one.
Choose a Dentist who Specializes in Pediatric Dentistry
It is best to bring children to dentists who specialize in pediatric dentistry because their training is specially focused on kids and their unique needs. Children tend to ask a lot of questions and pediatric dentists know how to reply in a comforting, non-threatening manner. Your child needs to establish good rapport with his dentist, to develop trust. With trust, your child becomes more cooperative and comfortable with his dentist.
Talk with your Child about His Scheduled Appointment with the Dentist
Tell him that he is now entering that phase in life wherein he needs to meet the dentist, a community helper committed to keeping the teeth healthy. You can tell him about your own positive experience with the dentist as a child. Avoid saying things like, “You have nothing to worry about” or “It won’t hurt”. Focus on the positive side of things and try not to make it sound like a big deal, even if it is.
Start with a Friendly Meet and Greet
Bring your child to the dentist so he can meet the dentist in person and talk with him in a friendly manner. This reduces that fear of not knowing what you’re up against. The dentist can show the child the treatment room, and even talk about the importance of good oral care and taking regular dental checkups.
Read Books about Dentists and the Teeth
Try to find books that tell of heartwarming stories about the dentist, the tooth fairy or the teeth in general. You can ask your dentist for advice on this. Stories with moral lessons are a great way to instill the value of oral care in a fun way. This can also be a good bonding activity that you and your child can share every day.
Earn your Child’s Trust and Respect
Children look up to their parents, but earning their trust and respect is a different matter. If you constantly do what you say you’ll do, your child develops confidence in you and learns to be secure of himself too. A child who knows that you’re always there for him won’t be scared of seeing the dentist, because he knows you will be there for him, no matter what.
Visit Village Family Dental for quality, caring pediatric dentistry in Myrtle Beach, SC. We go the extra mile to make a child’s dental visit fun and exciting! You can Request an appointment online or call us at (843) 215-2599 to schedules your childs appointment today.
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