Learning how to prepare children for dentist visits can make the task much easier. Many children are naturally afraid of the experience, and this can make parents extremely anxious. Preparing your child for trips to the dentist is the ideal way to prevent too much anxiousness from building.
Building Expectations
Anxiety often occurs when a person does not know what to expect but in the case of seeing a dentist some things can be difficult to explain. For example, sedation can be very frightening for a child, and telling a child that they are going to “take a nap” can conjure bad associations between napping and the frightening experience.
Instead of using euphemisms, it may be better to use clear language that can help build realistic expectations.
• The dentist gives you medicine.
• You feel sleepy but that’s okay.
• The dentist cleans and fixes your teeth.
• We go home.
Clear expectations can make the process much easier, and in some cases, this can be enough to ease much of the anxiety. Following some tips for helping kids deal with dental visits can help as well.
Tips for Kids at the Dentist
When visiting the dentist, always be sure that the child is as calm and relaxed as possible. This depends on the child’s temperament, but other factors come into play as well. Some quick tips to help the process run smoother include:
• Start taking the child to the dentist when he or she is very young. Parents who take their children to dental visits as babies find that their children are less afraid of the process. Older children have very different experiences, and they become more anxious. Making regular trips to the dentist as early as possible is a great approach to easing stress.
• Always make sure to stay calm as a parent. If one parent is particularly anxious around dentists, have someone else take the child to the appointment. Children are very perceptive, and the parent’s anxiety can easily transfer from parent to child.
• Discuss with the dentist whether it is best to have a parent or guardian with the child or whether it is best to stay in the waiting room. Different approaches work better for some professionals, with some dentists working better when parents are present, and others preferring parents waiting nearby.
Choosing a Dentist
Choosing a dentist for your child can be challenging, especially for children with special needs. Consult your child’s pediatrician, who can offer suggestions for reputable professionals in your area. Some dentists specialize in working with children, and some specialize in working with children who have special needs.
One bad experience at the dentist office should not keep families from having regular check-ups. The more often the child visits the dentist, the more comfortable he or she will be with the process.
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