Dental visits are needed to maintain good oral health but it can be a little scary for children as they are unfamiliar with the process and the new people they meet. You need to find a way to create a positive experience at the dental clinic so that your children have a good foundation for lifelong oral health.
Starting early is the trick to normalising the dental clinic experience
So that their anxiety is reduced. You can look for a kids dental Cleveland and schedule the first visit when their first tooth erupts or when they become one year old. BY starting early, the children can become familiar with the dental office environment and it can help them establish a routine. You can present these visits as a regular part of their oral healthcare routine instead of something to be feared. You can researchchildren’s dentists in your local area and check reviews. You can even visit a few to get an idea of the clinic environment and how they interact with young children. You will know what your child likes best so you will be able to choose a clinic setting that they will be more comfortable with. By choosing a dental clinic that caters to children specifically, you will be able to make a big difference in your child’s perception of the visits. Many children’s dental clinics have child-friendly décor and have colourful themes. The waiting areas have toys and games along with video games or movies so that children can be entertained during the wait.
Positive reinforcement can also make the dental visits more fun to the children.
You can praise your child for being brave during the visit and you can give small rewards as well such as a small toy, stickers or a tasty snack. Maybe you can go to the park afterwards. Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage good behaviour and this will help children associate the visits with positive outcomes. But try not to use the rewards as a bribe as this can create a lot of pressure. You need to explain what to expect at the clinic before the visit and this has to be done in a way that they can understand. You can use simple language and relate this to something that they are familiar with. You can tell them about how the tooth doctor will keep their smile healthy.
Role-playing is a great way to prepare your child.
You can get some dental toys and enact what will happen at the office. Your child can practice sitting in the dental chair and opening their mouth so that their teeth can be examined. You can take turns being the patient and the tooth doctor. This will make them familiar with the process. There are many books and videos that can teach children more about dental visits. You can select age appropriate books or animated videos so that dental care can be explained in a fun way.
