According to a National Library of Medicine study, 76% of kids have visited a dentist. While 64% said they enjoyed their visits, 11% did not, and 12% said they were frightened by the experience.
It’s important for kids to develop good dental health practices, including brushing their teeth, flossing, and gargling mouthwash. But another component for good overall oral health is going to a dentist at least twice a year for checkups. The problem is that kids who are fearful of seeing a dentist could put up a fight to avoid going.
That’s where you come in as a parent. While your kids might be hesitant to visit the dentist, they’re too young to understand the potential problems that come with poor dental care habits.
It’s up to you to get them to buy into the program. You can do this by considering these four tips to prepare your children for dentist visits. They’ll get checkups, dental cleanings, and other services to safeguard their pearly whites. And that will give you and your child something to smile about.
1. Find a Good Dentist
Don’t underestimate the importance of finding a good dentist. The service provider should have experience working with children who are nervous or apprehensive. A good dentist will know how to make their patients, young and old, feel comfortable. They will explain the treatment, speak to your child in a way they can understand, encourage them to ask questions, and do other things so they feel comfortable.
You can ask around and research online if you want to find the right dental office and service provider for your child. Doing so is the first step toward ensuring your kid gets the help they need (minus the trauma).
2. Get Them Started ASAP
Another way to prep your child for regular dental visits is to get them started as soon as possible. The sooner you get them used to this habit, the better. They’ll become accustomed to it. Waiting too long might make it more stressful for your child to get dental care.
Once your child’s first tooth emerges, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean the tooth. You’ll need to do it on behalf of your child until they’re old enough to do so with your supervision. They’ll soon be old enough to take care of their teeth independently. Once they have that routine down pat, adding dentist visits to the regimen will be easier.
3. Stay Close By
Your child might be more comfortable if you remain in the room when the dentist performs checkups or teeth cleanings. It could help your child to calm down and trust the dentist to do their job.
You don’t want to be overly vocal and jockey with the dentist for your child’s attention. Instead, allow the dentist to do their job, communicate with your child, and instruct them as needed.
You may want to talk to your child through the procedure, but your presence will be enough to keep them from panicking.
4. Be Consistent
Another way to help your kid feel more comfortable with dentist appointments is to be consistent. If oral health care isn’t consistent, your child might get nervous when visiting a dental practice. But if it’s consistent, they’ll eventually get accustomed to it.
While your child might be nervous or frightened about visiting a pediatric dentist, that’s no reason to avoid booking appointments. Again, they’re not yet old enough to understand the importance of caring for their teeth. Getting them used to dental visits will help them enjoy good dental health.
