Dental health is vitally important and one of the best things you can do to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy is to instill good dental habits in them from an early age, including maintenance visits to the dentist.
If your child is scared of medical professionals or they are fearful due to a previously painful experience, you are probably dreading your bi-annual appointment. It doesn’t have to be that way. Trust in these proven tips to keep your little one smiling:
Find a Reliable Pediatric Dentist
Choose a dental clinic that is knowledgeable with dental treatment for children. Pediatric dentists in Murray are trained to work with children and know how to talk with them, show them the equipment and help them feel at ease. Waiting areas at a pediatric clinic will also be designed with the young patient in mind and there may be toys and bright color schemes to attract them.
Use TV to Distract Them
Some dental clinics have TV sets in the waiting room and the examination room with relaxing pictures to distract and soothe the anxious patient. The TV set can be situated on the ceiling above the dental chair so your child can see it while they have their teeth checked.
Choose Less Painful Options
There may be more than one option available for treatment if your child needs a procedure may be painful. For example, surface fillings can be patched with a tooth strengthening gel instead of having a tooth extraction. Conscious sedation might also be suitable.
Give Rewards
Give a non-food reward to your child after the appointment. A pediatric dentist will also offer a reward sticker that they can choose.
Meet and Greet Appointment
It could help your child to meet their dentist prior to any treatment to make it less scary.
Helping your child who is afraid of a dentist doesn’t have to be stressful. Arm yourself with the right hacks to make dental appointments trouble free.
