Guaranteed Health Care Without Worry - Preparing Your Child To Visit The Dentist
Posted on: 15 May 2017
Many adults maintain some degree of fear of going to the dentist, so it should come as no surprise that children often have the same reaction. The first trip to the dentist can be a big step for your son or daughter, so it's important that you take all the steps you can to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Below, you'll find a guide to a few things you can do to make your child's trip to the dentist go a little bit easier. By following these suggestions, you can be sure that a frightened child doesn't interfere with the quality of an exam, and you can promote healthy habits that could last a lifetime.
Watch Your Own Language
Children learn so heavily through imitation that it's vital for you to take steps to avoid setting a bad example. If your kids hear you around the house dreading your own dental visits or even stressing over theirs, they're likely to develop a natural trepidation that's hard to break way from.
Try to describe pending visits in positive terms which focus on the benefits of good dental health. You can also try telling them stories about your own uneventful trips to the dentist that may give them the confidence of knowing they can get through it like you can.
Open Up Explanations
Even for children, a large part of dental anxiety springs from a fear of the unknown. Unfamiliar sounds and feelings can make a difficult combination for any child to deal with, and if they're unsure about what's going on, they're likely to react poorly.
Having an open dialogue with your son or daughter about their pending trip can allow them to ask any questions they have and allow you to dispel any misconceptions. Additionally, you may be able to set up a meeting with the actual dentist that can give your child the confidence of a conversation with an expert.
Frame Incentives
It's not generally great practice to teach your child to expect rewards for regular behaviors, but it can be helpful to frame parts of their dental visit as exciting. For example, treating toothbrushes and floss as gifts for a job well done can allow those items to feel special. This will not only give your child a rush of excitement at the conclusion of their visit, but it can also encourage better dental health by making their "prizes" a part of the experience.
For more tips and information, visit websites like http://www.neufamilydental.com.
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