Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you remain healthy. However, good dental health is not only crucial to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. It is also important because studies have shown that people who have poor dental hygiene have a greater chance of developing heart disease and other problems with their organs. This is why it is so vital for children to get in the habit of taking care of their teeth. One of the best ways to do this is to see a dentist from
Kool Smiles or another dental clinic on a regular basis. However, a visit to the dentist can be a terrifying experience for many children. They often associate dental visits with horrible pain. Here are some ways you can help your child overcome a fear of dentists.
1. Start at an early age
The earlier you start taking your child to the dentist, the less likely they will be to develop a serious fear. They will become used to the entire dental process and the way certain instruments feel in their mouth. They will also get used to having two people standing over them while working on their mouth. Most dental visits, such as cleanings and x-rays, are purely routine. After the first two or three visits, your child should not have any serious apprehension about going to the dentist.
2. Less information
The first time you take a child to the dentist, do not give a great deal of information about what is going to happen. If you are too detailed in your explanation of a typical dental visit, there is a chance you could frighten your child. You need to trust and rely on your dentist to walk your child through his or her first dental visit. If your dentist has been working for many years, he or she has most likely dealt with hundreds of children on their first dental visit, so your child will be in good hands.
3. Prepare for your child's anxiety
No matter how much preparation you do for your child's first dental visit, there will probably be a few bumps along the way. Even if your reassure your child that everything will be alright, the reality is that two complete strangers will be poking around in your child's mouth. This is a strange experience that takes a while to get used to. If your child starts to cry or tantrum, get some advice from your dentist about how to proceed. Remember, dental professionals deal with this sort of thing every day, so let them guide you. Holding your child's hand is always a good way to give him or her comfort if they are really stressed out.
4. Teach your child about dental hygiene
It is important to make your child understand at an early age how vitally important good oral hygiene is. Make sure they know that visiting the dentist is something that needs to be done. Tell your child that although they might not enjoy it, the dentist is their friend and wants to help. It is important to make your child see your dentist as someone who would never intentionally hurt them. Once your child forms a bond of trust with the dentist, future visits will be easier.
