Visiting a dentist is an important part of any child’s life, but unfortunately there are many children who get a lot of anxiety before visiting a dentist which can make the appointment harder for the dentists and longer for the child. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the ways parents can help ease their child’s anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist.
Prepare in Advance
Before you go to the local dentist, it’s a good idea to help prepare your child in advance to understand the basics. It’s good to start the conversation by discussing the visit to the dentist and why they may be going for a check up. Try to keep it in a positive light, and explain to them what will happen during the appointment in a simple way. Emphasize how the dentist is there to help them keep their teeth healthy.
Major platforms like YouTube Kids often have videos that can explain the importance of seeing a dentist. You can also read children’s books which focus on the dentist. By doing this, it can help to familiarize them with what to expect before they visit.
If the child is very young, you could also use role play games as a way to introduce them to a dentist. You could pretend you’re the dentist and they’re the patient. Ask them to open their mouth so you can take a look. Using a small spoon, you can pretend it’s a mirror so they’re ok with an instrument being in their mouth for a short time.
Another thing you can do is show them photos of the basic dental tools the dentist may use and explain what they’re used for. You could print pictures or show them pictures on the computer. You could also buy fake toy teeth and pretend to clean them to show that the dentist isn’t scary.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques also work with children who need to have their cavities filled. Teach your child how to breathe deep and slowly. You can also incorporate square breathing into this. Square breathing is where on each inhale the child imagines drawing a square in their mind or you could even pretend with their finger. Breathing has been known to help relax the body and provide a sense of calm.
Work with your child to learn how to visualize peaceful places. If they like the beach or a park, get them to think about the sand or the swaying swings. Visualizing is a great way to distract the mind during their visit.
Promote Fun
Before visiting work out ways you can make visiting the dentist fun. Consider implementing a reward system or something special for them as a treat if they do visit the dentist. By letting them know they’ll get something special they may be more inclined to go to the dentist. Stickers, chocolate, or a small toy are great motivators for kids.
While waiting for the appointment, let your children play a game on your phone to help distract them. Simple games like Tetris, Candy Crush, or similar are fun and make for a great distraction.
Stay Positive and Calm
When visiting the dentist, always stay calm and positive no matter how upset they may be. Try to change frightening words with positive words. For example, instead of saying “dental drill”, say “cleaning tools”. Instead of saying “hurt” or “pain”, say they may feel something for a moment.
When you’re at the dentist’s office, make sure to keep an eye on your body language. If you’re tense the child may pick up on this. Instead give them hugs, hold their hand and make a few small funny jokes to show them that visiting the dentist isn’t scary.
You can also engage in small talk and ask them about their day, what they may want to do later, or what their favorite thing to do is. This will keep them distracted while waiting for their appointment.
Stay With Them
If you’re allowed to do so, stay in the examination room with the child. Your presence can help calm them and provide the reassurance they may need. Holding their hand if possible can help them feel more secure. Bring some small distractions like their favorite toy or book to read to them during the visit.
Endnote
When it comes to visiting the dentist and dental care, kids can feel scared. However, by working on a few measures before and during the visit you have the ability to make the visit a positive and happy one. The more positive it is, the less fear your child will have with dentists as they grow up.