Children look up to their parents for assurance while they visit the dentist for the first time. Thus it’s important to overcome your personal fears and concerns as parents. Sometimes, despite all the calming efforts before the visit, children tend to develop a fear on their own. It is only natural; poky instruments along with the noise of cleaning/drilling instruments inside the mouth can unnerve anyone. So here are a few tips to keep children calm at the Dentist’s
- Give them a healthy snack and keep their hunger away – Usually, a child is more relaxed and content after eating. Ensure that the child is fed well at least an hour before the appointment. Also note not to over feed!
- Let them talk and keep them engaged – Silence or sleeping just before an dental appointment can startle the kid when the Dentist begins his examination. Make sure the child is active and energetic to interact with the Dentist and also be vocal about their fear is any. This will help the parents and Dentist to address the child’s issue.
- Tell them the benefits of the procedure – If the kid is patient, talk to them about the outcome of the treatment and boost their morale. Promise them a reward if they cooperate with the Dentist.
- Watch your words – Pain, hurt, injection/shot are words that should be avoided at any cost. Use a language that kids might understand without fear — cavities/bacteria can be tooth bugs or sugar bugs.
- Start early and stay safe – Before the child develop’s any complication or dental problems, make it a habit to visit the dentist every 6 months and get a general check up. Make this a fun trip by giving them toys and video games at the clinic. Ease them into the dental environment.
Once you have done your part to keep the children calm at the dentists’s, the rest will be handled by the Dentist. Pediatric Dentists at Dr.Smilez, Chennai are well-equipped to handle the little ones and can surely provide a happy dental experience.
