I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
Fear of a dental visit for an adult these days is often based more so on the financial burden, than on the fear of dental work itself. For children, however, the dentist can be a scary, ominous experience--and that fear can make the experience traumatic for child and parent alike.
Let's look at some clever tactics for easing your child's fear of the dentist, making it a fun experience and encouraging a life of good dental hygiene.
1. Speak with Your Dentist When Booking. It is important to inform your dentist of your child's fears prior to the appointment, as it will give your dentist the opportunity to allay your child's fears with a variety of personal tricks. Dentists are used to dealing with children who are fearful of their first encounters with dentistry, so most dentists have a few techniques up their sleeves to help make the dental visit a fun experience for your child.
2. Consider a Paediatric Dentist, at least for the first few visits. With an inviting waiting room environment customised for children, a paediatric dentist will help put your child at ease as soon as they enter the clinic. With children's books, movies, décor and games, your child will be distracted while waiting for their appointment, and will not have the time or energy to worry about what is to come.
3. Prepare for the Visit. Ensure that your child has a good dental hygiene routine in place, as regular dental care from an early age will familiarise your child with the necessity of taking care of their teeth and gums. If your child is unsure of what to expect at the dentist, watch some online videos or take them along to your next check up. Don't mention the possibility of pain or discomfort in advance--you will only scare your child further, perhaps unnecessarily. You may also like to do some imaginary play acting of the dental visit with your child's favourite toys prior to the visit.
4. Stay for the Appointment. Sometimes just the security of having a parent present at the appointment can help your child feel comfortable and relaxed. Some dentists even allow examinations with the child seated on a parent's lap. Stay positive and upbeat about the experience, using gentle language to reassure them throughout the experience. Don't transfer your fears of the dentist or appointment onto your child; if you had a bad experience as a child, remember that modern dentistry is far more advanced than twenty or thirty years ago, and dentists do their best to create a relaxing, pain free and child-friendly environment.
5. Use Props! Bring along your child's favourite toy to provide them with extra comfort if necessary. Additionally, sunglasses can be a helpful accessory for your child, providing them with a defensive shield while diminishing their view of the bright examination light and dental tools. Some dentists have some extraordinary ways of distracting and entertaining children during their examination, with everything from popular children's movies screening to a musical dental drill that masks the scary drilling sounds with fun tunes.
By acknowledging your child's fear of the dentist, and making steps to work with your family dentist before and during the appointment, you will help your child develop a healthy dental hygiene routine as well as encouraging a confident, relaxed opinion of both dentist and dental work.
For more tips, contact a clinic like Choice Dental.
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