One of the most important ways to keep your children cavity-free, especially during the season of sweets, is to see the dentist regularly. And good news: Routine checkups and cleanings are completely covered by most dental plans!
But if your children are spooked by the dentist, it might feel like a challenge to schedule those appointments. Check out our tips to help make their next appointment a little easier.
- Start early. The American Dental Association recommends children visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth or by age 1. Early visits give kids a chance to become familiar with the dentist and may help reduce anxiety down the road.
Lead by example. If you’re nervous about the dentist, your kids might pick up on it and adopt the same attitude. According to a study in the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, adults can transfer their dental fears to family members. Make an effort to demonstrate a positive attitude toward the dentist while talking about why regular visits are important. By modelling relaxed behavior, you can let your kids know there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Leverage entertainment. Reshape their attitudes with the power of the page. Pick up library books that explain dental appointments in kid-friendly language. Popular options include Curious George Visits the Dentist by H.A. Rey, Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer and Open Wide: School Tooth Inside by Laurie Keller. To build even more positive associations with the dentist, try bringing their favorite toy or game to appointments.
Take baby steps. Stop by the dental office beforehand so your kids learn what to expect in a lower-pressure situation. Introducing them to the dentist and staff without the stakes of an actual appointment can help them feel more comfortable in the environment.
Practice! Show your child what will happen at the dentist. Have them sit in a chair and pretend to clean their teeth while explaining how visiting the dentist helps keep their smiles in tip-top shape.
Use relaxation techniques. If you’ve tried everything and your kids still get the heebie-jeebies in the dental chair, don’t fear! Try calming them down with some simple relaxation exercises. Instruct your child to inhale and exhale slowly and steadily. You can also try a technique where they tense different muscle groups as tight as can be, then release.
It may take some time, but helping your children feel comfortable at the dentist will make lifelong dental care much easier in the long run.
