How To Make Dental Visits Less Stressful For Your Kids?
Getting the kids excited about visiting a dentist is a bit tough! And, if your kid is visiting for the first time, he/she is likely to stress out. Being asked to sit still, with someone poking around in their mouth, can annoy even the calmest of the kids. However, it is crucial for them to attend the dentist regularly to ensure that they grow with a healthy smile.
As a parent, you can use the following tactics to help your little ones overcome their phobia of visiting a dentist, making it less stressful for them-
Be A Good Example To Encourage Oral Health Routines
Kids tend to copy what their parents do. So, if you are quite nervous about visiting the dentist yourself, it can be a problem. After witnessing your behavior, your kid may feel reluctant to visit the dentist. They are likely to throw tantrums while assuming that there is something to fear from the dental visit. Instead, if you show your kids that there is nothing to fear about, they will feel confident.
Show Your Kids The Pictures Of Dentist Office
Before you take your kid to the dentist’s office, take some time to go through the photos online. A child’s dental office features colorful décor, full of toys, games, and small chairs in the room. It provides them with a welcoming home environment. These pictures of a dentist’s office may get them excited about the visit.
Choose A Friendly Pediatric Dentist For A Stress-Free First Visit
The profession of a dentist hasn’t achieved a reputation for being friendly. It’s probably due to the preconceived notions surrounding the dentist visits. However, a good pediatric dentist knows that kids often feel nervous while visiting them. They make sure that your kid feels relaxed at the office’s first visit. The first visit of your kid to the dentist’s office helps you gauge how he/she responds to the new surroundings.
Look For A One-Stop Shop For Yourself And Your Kids Alike
Consider Parent Dentistry to schedule your and your kid’s dental appointments at the same time. By accompanying your child to the dentist’s office, you can make them feel comfortable in the dental chair. Or, you can have your appointment fixed at the same time your kid is being treated. Even if your treatment takes longer, you won’t have to worry about your kids. The dental facilities make sure to entertain your children and keep them engaged in fun activities.
Encourage Oral Hygiene At Home
Another way to take away the dental visit stress is by encouraging oral care routine at home before you take your kid to the dentist. It will help familiarize your kid with brushing their teeth twice a day and make them comfortable with the idea of oral health care.
Introduce Your Kid To The Dentist Early
Another great way to reduce dental visit anxiety is by finding a pediatric dentist before your kid’s first birthday. By introducing your kid to the dentist as early as possible will get them comfortable with oral health and help them grow healthy milk teeth.
Promise Them With A Reward For Visiting A Dentist
Kids love receiving gifts and rewards. If your child is refusing to go to a dentist, a little blackmail can help. You can promise a reward for behaving well in the dentist office, or not throwing loud tantrums in the waiting room. Choose something they won’t be able to say no to. For example, you can bring them to a playground or offer ice-creams afterward, etc.
These child-friendly approaches can help your kids feel at ease while visiting a dentist!