Going to the dentist can be scary for the best of us, but it can be especially intimidating for kids. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare your children for their dental cleanings and make the process much more comfortable. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you try to help your child to feel more at ease with their dental cleaning.
Offer to Reward Them
Almost anything can be made a little easier if you have something to look forward to, and that is the same for your kids and the dentist. When you are rewarding your child for a trip to the dentist, it is a good idea to avoid sweets as a reward and stick to activities or something else that they enjoy. You can give your child a few options for a reward and then take them to get it or have the experience after they are finished at the dentist’s office. That way they will have something to look forward to throughout their appointment.
Find a Good Dentist
There is nothing that will make your child more comfortable at the dentist’s office than having a dentist that they like and trust. A dentist’s office with great staff and hygienists is a huge plus as well. A pediatric dentist is trained to work with kids and calm their fears. Choosing a dentist that your kids feel comfortable with will go a long way towards making their experiences at the dentist’s office much happier and more fun. Friendliness can go a long way towards making a kid feel comfortable, so look for a dentist that is happy and caring.
Prepare at Home
One of the scariest parts of the dentist’s office for small children is that it is an unknown place. You can help them prepare at home by doing a little research and giving them a chance to practice. There are tons of great videos online that can help your child to get used to the idea of visiting a dentist. Playing dentist at home can also help them to feel more comfortable and to understand the dentist’s office a little better.
Trying something new can be scary for everyone, and the dentist’s office has lots of intimidating new things. By preparing your child for their dentist visit, you can help them to feel more confident and less scared. Take it slow and listen to their fears and needs so you can help your child to feel more comfortable.
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