Unfortunately, many people still suffer from dental anxiety, and many of them are your little children. Keeping up with your child’s dental care is essential for their teeth to sprout healthily and avoid decay. It’s normal for your little one to have dental anxiety, but you can help them. Here are some secrets your family dentists want parents to know about helping children overcome such anxiety.
Use Family Dentists
Once you have children, going to a family dental practice can make things easier for you and your child. After all, you’ll have a dental practitioner who can handle various generations of your family. If children see their parents and possibly grandparents are comfortable with the dentist, they’re more likely to ease up as well.
Practice Calming Techniques
42% of children aged two to 11 have dental cavities in their primary teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Don’t be surprised if you need to take your children in for fillings or sealants on their teeth. The idea of a dental drill or other equipment may scare your child at first, so you can practice calming techniques with them. Try practicing yoga together, meditation, and other breathing techniques. Is there a song or a game that calms your child down? You can use that when on your way to the dentist.
Set an Example
As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. Therefore, it’s vital you set a good example when it comes to behaviors you want them to follow. From practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, or keeping up with regular dental visits, you can help your child become more comfortable with visits to family dentists.
Use Children’s Media
You should begin taking your child to the dentist the minute the first tooth sprouts or by the time they reach their first birthday, according to the American Dental Association. Luckily, there’s a range of children’s media to help make these visits easier. Look up old episodes of Sesame Street and other children’s programming. You can also get children’s books that talk about the topic.
There are many techniques to help your child ease up when visiting a dentist. From using children’s media to setting a good example, you can make going to the dentist a regular, pain-free activity for your little one. For compassionate care you and your child can benefit from, visit our family dental practice today at Bright Side Dental.