While taking your children to the dentist can be a scary time for them, learning ways to encourage your children in the process will be beneficial. No matter what the situation may be, many children have a tendency to shy away from whatever seems new and odd. Nevertheless, if your child is due to visit a dentist in Mansfield, this article will surely help.
The dentist’s office is an altogether unique experience for a child as he is made to hold his mouth open wide while someone pries at his teeth. Oftentimes, parents may forgo setting up their children’s much-needed checkups because they do not know how to prepare their children for this potentially scary encounter.
The following is a shortlist of some practical tips that will help to help to ease the fears that may arise in your children (and the stress that it may cause you):
1. Bring your Children to the Dentist When You Go
For starters, it may prove to be helpful to get your children used to the dentist’s office and the dentist himself. If you take your children with you to the dentist’s office when you go, it will create a sense of normalcy to the whole process says this dentist who does dental implants in Chesapeake. Your children will see the dentist, and they will recognize his face and the office when it is their turn to have work done.
2. Purchase Dental Toys
A favorite kid’s toy is the doctor’s bag that comes equipped with the stethoscope and reflex hammer. Kids love this toy, and it gets them familiar with the thought of going to the doctor and taking part in regular checkups. As a result, when they actually do have to go to the doctor, there is a sense of comfort about it all. They see the stethoscope, and rather than being scared, they enjoy seeing how the doctor uses it so they can mimic it when they get home.
The same is true for children who use dental toys. Depending on the type of toy, instruction can be given to use these toys on dolls rather than in the mouths of children. But the fun of playing and exploring with a personal dentist set will add a sense of comfort when a child sees real-life dental action.
3. Give Them a Reward
Children love the hope of a future reward. Many times in parenting, a reward system will prove to bring about the desired outcome in your children. When taking your children to the dentist, a way they can be eased into a state of peace is by letting them know that when you leave, you will buy them a treat. Some other rewards could include staying up a little later, choosing dinner, or getting the front seat in the vehicle (if he is old enough).
4. Read Them a Book About Going to the Dentist
Many children love to read books and love to have books read to them. A wonderful way for children to learn is by having books read to them regularly. In a book, a child is able to see the world and develop an understanding of what is normal and what is not. Find a book about a child going to visit a dentist and talk through it with your child. As they see the dentist and the child in the story, they will believe that they can do it too.
5. Have Them Talk to Other People
Another good idea is to have your children talk to other individuals that they know who have had a good experience with going to the dentist. Maybe there are people in your family who could also share some encouraging words with your child before his visit. Oftentimes, there may be one special person that your child has grown to love in your family. See if that person will spend some time talking to your child and helping him along the way.
Conclusion
I know taking your children to the dentist can be hard on both the child and the parent. Try some of these tips, and feel them out for yourself. I’m sure that at least one will prove to be valuable.
About the Guest Author
Elizabeth is a renowned leader in the space of Health and Mental Wellness topics. Her work has appeared on more than a dozen influential sites and blogs. Her articles both focus on providing valuable information and an entertaining read that her readers enjoy. More about her work on – ELIZABETHMARKS.me