Dentistry is a necessary but dreaded experience for many people. As such, a visit to the dentist can be a source of great anxiety and apprehension, especially for children who may not understand what to expect. But there are ways to make the dental visit less daunting and more comfortable for everyone involved. Read on to find out how.
- Does Your Child Know What to Expect?
It is important to ensure that your child knows what to expect before you visit your dentist’s clinic. If they do not, then coming up with a story about what is going to happen might be a good idea.
You can say something like, “The dentist will check your teeth and your mouth to make sure that everything looks and feels okay. They might even get to take a look at your X-rays and show you what they see.”
In some cases, you can even get a little playful with your explanation. “You’re going to have to take off all of your clothes and wear a special robe so that the doctor won’t get wet when they wash their hands. Then, you’ll have to sit on a big chair, which will spin around really fast. And the dentist might make funny faces at you!”
- What You Can Do to Prepare for the Visit
There are several things that you can do to prepare for the big day. You can try to make sure that your child avoids eating or drinking before the appointment since the high sugar content in food and drink can leave your child with a bad taste in their mouth.
It is also important to make sure that your child does not have any snacks or drinks while they are at the dentist’s office. Drinking from a straw can also cause a lot of bubbles in their mouth, which can be pretty uncomfortable.
You may also want to discuss the need for your child to floss if they do not usually do so on their own. If you can get your child used to flossing regularly, then this can prevent certain kinds of cavities.
On the day of the appointment, make sure that your child brushes their teeth before you leave home. This will help to get rid of any leftover food or drink particles in their teeth.
- Get Your Child in a Good Mood Beforehand
You can help your child get in a good mood for the dentist visit by accomplishing certain tasks beforehand. One such task is getting them to do some stretching.
Your child can stretch their arms, legs, and neck to get the blood flowing. This will help them feel more relaxed and calm. Another thing that you can do is brush their hair and other body parts for them. If your child feels like you are taking care of them, they will feel cared for, which can be a mood booster.
If you want to keep your child laughing and smiling, then watching some funny images on the internet is a great idea. Your child might be nervous about the dentist visit, but you can help them put their mind at ease by showing them that this is not something to be afraid of.
- Use Distractions or Anxiety Relief Techniques
During the visit, you can help your child remain calm and comfortable by using certain techniques. One such distraction technique is having them count something in the room, such as the number of tiles on the floor.
Another way to keep your child distracted is by having them listen to you talk about anything other than the dentist. You can either talk to them about the weather or something random like what kind of food they would like to eat for dinner that night. This will keep your child from thinking about uncomfortable things that can make them upset.
If you are using distraction techniques, then it is best to do them while the dentist is doing their work. You can also use a technique that makes your child feel less anxious by placing a hand on your child’s shoulder or knee. This will show them that you are there for them, and this can help reduce their anxiety.
- How to Make the Child Comfortable After the Visit
Once the dentist finishes what they need to finish for the visit, make sure that your child feels comfortable. This means that you should avoid talking about whatever procedure just took place unless your child initiates the discussion.
If your child is in pain after the visit, giving them a soft and cool cloth will help reduce any swelling or discomfort. You can also apply a small amount of menthol Band-Aid to the area if your child feels pain in the gums around their teeth or where their teeth were drilled.
Give your child plenty of water to drink after the visit. Not only will this help them feel hydrated, but drinking water can also help prevent them from getting a cavity.
To help your child feel more comfortable at the dentist, you should avoid talking about anything that just took place. You can also use distraction techniques or anxiety relief methods and give them plenty of water after their appointment. These are all great ways for parents and children alike to have a much smoother experience the next time you visit your dentist.
Meta title: Six Ways to Make the Dentist Visit More Pleasant for Your Kids
meta desc: The last thing you want is for your kids to be uncomfortable and scared. Here are some ways you can make them feel more at ease before, during, and after their visit.
