Going to the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings is just as important as going to the doctor for annual physical exams. Through a routine checkup, a dentist can assess the health of your teeth, identify any problems and recommend treatments for correcting any issue that may be present.
Despite the important of going to the dentist regularly, many people dread it. If your child is one of the millions of people who are afraid of going to the dentist, don't just skip making appointments; and don't torture her, either. With a few simple steps, you can help your tyke overcome her fear and keep her mouth clean and health.
Find a Dentist
The first step in helping your child overcome a fear of the dentist is to find a dentist. While you may love the family dentist that you have been going to for years, your child may not. It's crucial to find a dentist that your child feels comfortable with in order to help her move past her fear.
Make appointments with a few pediatric or family dentists, such as Terry Droske DDS, in your area. However, don't schedule a checkup and a cleaning; schedule a tour. Explain your child's fear to each dentist (most will likely understand) and arrange to have a meet-and-greet with the dentist and the tour of the facility.
After visiting a few dentists, let your child be the one to tell you which one she feels the most comfortable with and make that one her dentist.
Let Her Observe
Even if your child has found a dentist that she feels comfortable with, she may still feel anxious about having her teeth checked out. A great way to further ease her fear is to bring her along on one of your appointments.
Let your little one observe as your dentist examines your mouth and as the hygienist cleans your teeth. If she sees that you are being brave, she'll likely want to emulate that behavior at her appointment.
Offer Music
For many people, a fear of the dentist is associated with the sounds. The whirring of a tooth polisher – even though polishing doesn't hurt – doesn't exactly sound appealing.
To calm your little one, offer her some music while she is in the dentist's chair. She can listen to the sound of her favorite tunes, which will be far more enjoyable than hearing the suctioning of water.
With these three simple tips, you can help your child get over a fear of the dentist and keep her teeth in great shape.
Share5 August 2015
Do you have a different doctor from your spouse? Does your child see a pediatrician? Most families have different medical health providers for different members of the family. This makes sense in most cases, but did you know that you can find a dentist who will treat every person in the family from a baby to a senior? I'm a manager or a family dentist, and in this blog you will learn why a family dentist is a great idea. I will tell you the many advantages of taking every family member to the same dentist, and I will give you tips of finding the right dental office for your family.