Kids thrive on routines and everyday frameworks. Every day, waking up at the same time, going to school, and a regular bedtime all make sure a child knows what to expect each day. These regimented systems make it possible for children to feel comfortable and protected, while developing healthy habits as well. So what happens when something new appears on a child’s day, such as a regular visit to a dentist?
It takes a child practice to feel comfortable with the new house, individuals, and activities they’re about to experience the first time you start building a routine.
Here are tips to prepare your child for their dental visit
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Plan and Prepare
Let them know beforehand that you are going to the dentist, educate the kids. Make sure they understand that they’re going to lie down in a chair, and the dentist’s going to look at their teeth, and maybe even wash their teeth properly. One thing that really encouraged us to do was play like we were at the dentist before we went. Let the children pretend to be the dentist, and they look into your mouth and pretend to find all kinds of things, and then I pretend to be the dentist, and it will give you an opportunity to talk about what the dentist wanted them to do. I think this will help them to understand that it’s not at all scary.
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Positive be
Don’t ever let someone talk negatively to your child about your dentist. It just takes someone to say “I hate the dentist!” “to make your kid really freak out.
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Be a Nice example.
They are more likely to freak out about the dentist if your child sees you stressed out. Play it calm, and just cover it if you feel any anxiety! Usually, your kid takes their cues from you on how to behave, so just relax and have a fun time.
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Good Dental Practice At Home
As a mother, if we’re brushing and flossing at home, visits from our dentist are MUCH easier. Kids are not only less likely to have any cavities or other dental concerns, but they are accustomed to brushing and flossing their teeth. Let children brush and floss on their own, and then when they are finished, do a fast brush and floss for them. They get to practice and learn how to do it that way, just make sure it’s done properly, and get used to having to keep their mouths open and making someone else look into their mouth.
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Bring a Friend
It’s important for them to know that in all this insane stuff, they’re not alone. This works only if your kids are not flipping out! It tends to make my other children worry if one of my children is afraid, or loses it at the dentist. So, if you have a child going nuts, save the other kids from having to see it, and plan another day for their appointment.
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Let it be FUN
When children are unsure of something, a little fun goes a long way. Make sure to point out all kinds of things that are perfectly natural when we are at the dentist, and make them look much cooler than they are.
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Give glory to them
This goes along with number 6. Notice that kids seem to react better when we talk things up.A lways remind kids that they are doing a good job when we are at the dentist.C heering and giving “thumbs up” to each other helps. And if they do a decent job, or if they don’t have cavities, celebrate that!
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Go to Pediatric Dentist
It is often safer to have experience with a pediatric dentist. The pediatric dentist is able to work with kids. They’ve got the right little mouth devices, and they just KNOW how to do it better. dThe pediatric dentist has x-rays, and is able to catch any complications the other dentists can’t because he can’t take an x-ray for kids.
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TV’s on the Ceiling.
If your dentist doesn’t have a TV on the ceiling and you can’t talk him into getting one, switch dentists. It is priceless with children.
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Pick a Good Dentist
Choose a good dentist above all else. It is also important to have a good staff. It is so important to find a good dentist for the overall quality of your visit. Just because a dentist in your area has an office doesn’t mean you’ve got to go to him. Ask your friends and family for advice about dentists they like or didn’t like, and you might find it worthwhile to travel a few ways to find the best match.
Are You Looking for an Amazing Dentist For Your Kids?
With over 30 years of professional experience helping young patients protect and beautify their smiles, Balfour Dental continues to be the preferred dental office for children and their families in Brentwood California and the surrounding communities of Antioch, Oakley, Discovery Bay and beyond! Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively. Our dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in Implant Retained Denture treatments as well as in general dentistry. If you are looking to help your kid’s smile, contact Balfour Dental today!
