If you dread taking your child to their dentist appointments, you’re far from alone. Going to those appointments is a childhood fear that’s all too common. As an adult, you know dental care is a critical part of the overall health of your child and regular dental check-ups shouldn't be skipped. But if your child is afraid of the dentist, it can be an experience that’s miserable for all involved. You have to strike a balance between "it’s nothing you need to worry about" and “it’s important.”
There are a few things you can do to make taking your child a bit more comfortable and to reduce their level of anxiety. Whether you take them to a dentist in Palos Heights or another one in your area, they need to see a dentist as recommended. With some practice and a bit of preparation, you’ll be able to help your children have a good experience when they go.
Prepare Them
Preparing your child for that inevitable trip to the dentist can actually start well before you’ve even made the appointment. The first exposure a child has to healthy dental habits is with you teaching them good oral hygiene. Keep in mind that children retain and do as they see, so if you floss, brush, and have routine checkups, it’ll be a concept familiar to them when they’re old enough for those things themselves.
Make a Habit of It
The general recommendation is for you to begin brushing baby’s teeth just as soon as they break through the gums. This is their first real foray into dental health. Also, by the time they get ready for the first dental appointment, someone looking into their mouth and putting their hands on their teeth won’t be a foreign concept.
Check Anxiety at the Door
Did you know that the Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine estimates that 80% of our population is afraid of dental treatments and that 20% actually avoid going to the dentist for that very reason? If there are so very many adults afraid to go to the dentist, it can’t be a surprise that the children are scared as well. It can be difficult for us not to allow our fears to influence kids. If you’re able to set an example and conquer your dental visit fears, it can go a long way towards calming down the fears of your children.
Find the Right One
There are some dentists who are just better at dealing with kids than others. Pediatric dentists who specialize in treating children from the time they’re babies throughout their adolescence have to be extremely patient. Not only do their offices tend to be kid-friendly and equipped with child-sized equipment, but they also tend to be especially attuned to the emotions of the children. These offices offer children a welcome environment.
With a bit of preparation and an extremely positive attitude, you’ll have the ability to assist your child with gaining a more positive view of their oral health and dental hygiene. You’ll also be giving them the keys to building a trusting relationship with the team of dental professionals who take care of their mouth, teeth, and gums. Your children will view taking a trip to the dentist as more of a normal aspect of their routines as opposed to an event that needs to be feared. Creating that foundation for them while they’re still very young can set them up for an entire lifetime of good oral hygiene, dental health, and good relationships with their dental team.
