Human beings are usually scared of the unknown. Fear of the dentist is a common thing among adults, with most people referring to it as dental anxiety or dentophobia. As such, you shouldn’t be surprised when your kid shows signs of dental anxiety when you mention a trip to a pediatric dentist. Chances are that your kid learned the tension from you.
To adults, dental visits are a routine, but for a kid, especially one who has never been to a pediatric dentist before, the dentist and the whole scenario are unfamiliar and scary. Kids do not know what to expect during a visit to the dentist. As such, parents ought to create a sense of peace and safety concerning dental visits so that kids overcome fear. You need to demystify the dental visit experience and make it familiar with the help of these tips:
Start early
Early visits to a pediatric dentist will assist your kid in familiarizing with the dental experience. It also offers an opportunity for your kid to learn that dentists are fun, safe, and essential. Experts advise parents to take their kids to the dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts or by the time they turn a year old. It is also advisable to bring in your kid for the first dental visit for a reassuring introductory one, which aims at easing kids into regular dental exams.
Look for a pediatric dentist
A pediatric dentist in Utah specializes in the dental health of children. He or she has skills of managing and treating the developing teeth of kids, specialized needs of childhood dentistry, growth and physical development of children, and kids’ behavior. A pediatric dentist is trained to make kids comfortable during the visit. Also, the equipment used is smaller than other types of equipment so that they can easily fit little mouths. The waiting room and office décor will reduce anxiety for your kid because it is kid-friendly and has toys, games, and books.
Be a good role model
One of the best ways to overcome dental anxiety for kids is to be an excellent dental model. You can bring the kid along with you for your next dental visit and make sure that he or she watches the entire process. Parents should explain to the kid what the dentist is doing and ensure that they smile during the dental examination so that the kid learns that the process is painless.
Talk to your kid about the appointment
One of the best ways to reduce dental anxiety in kids is allowing them to express their feelings. You can start the conversation by reading a book together about dental visits. You can help your kid understand things that happen during a visit to a dentist in a language that he or she can easily comprehend. Avoid talking about discomfort or pain and be calm and confident about dental visits.
You can try these tricks if your son or daughter is scared of going to the dentist. Parents should make sure that they make the dental appointment happy and fun so that they get a positive outcome. These tips should help your kid feel comfortable for the next appointment.
