The dentist’s office can be scary for anyone. Hearing the sounds of a drill working away and seeing the sharp instruments can be nerve-wracking, and this is no different for your little ones. It’s important to get your kids comfortable with seeing the dentist so that they will be excited for future appointments. Brushing and flossing are a great way to start with your children’s oral hygiene but it’s also important that they see their dentist regularly. Here are some tips you can use to get your kids excited about seeing their dentist from our Reno family dentistry.
Let Your Dentist Know if Your Child is Nervous
If your dentist is aware of your child’s fear or nervousness, then they can also do things to make them feel more at ease during their visit. The dentist may be able to show them that the tools they use are harmless, or just explain what your child should expect and that nothing bad is going to happen to them. Having a friendly family dentist that is willing to work with your child to assure their comfort during an appointment is really important. Seeing a dentist that your children like can really make the experience a lot easier.
Host a Pretend Dental Visit
Hosting a pretend dentist visit is a fun and creative way to prepare your children for the real thing. You can dress up as a dentist and count their teeth, give them a small mirror to look in their mouths, and just show them that there’s nothing to worry about. Make the experience fun so that when you bring your child in for an actual appointment, they will be excited and things will go much more smoothly. Try to avoid making drilling noises that may frighten your child. The point of this exercise is to get your kids excited about seeing the dentist, so be enthusiastic and really make it a fun experience for them.
Use Positive Language When Talking About the Dentist
If you use words like “hurt” or “pain” when talking about your dental office then your children may be afraid to see their dentist. You want to make your children feel safe when they visit the dentist so use positive language that will help them understand that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Telling your children that the dentist wants to clean their teeth so that they can be healthy will reassure them that the dentist just wants to help.
Explain That Dentists are the Good Guys
Dentists are like superheroes for your teeth, and every kid loves a good superhero. Explaining to your child that the dentist is getting rid of all the bad things in your mouth can be a good way to explain what the dentist does. And it could get your child excited for their appointment – who wouldn’t want to meet a real superhero?
Make the Waiting Area More Fun
Making your child wait in a boring office may make them more jittery and anxious about their upcoming appointment. Some dental offices have toys for kids to play with, but I recommend bringing toys with you. Keeping your child focused on something fun that they enjoy can set the tone for the whole visit. If kids feel comfortable before their appointment begins, they may feel more at ease during the appointment.
Reno Family Dentistry
Finding the right dental office for you and your family can be difficult. At Reno Dental Associates, we strive to make your visit easy and pleasant. Contact our office and see why we are your premier Reno family dentistry.