9 Tips To Combat Fear Of The Dentist
When they reach adulthood, many people experience fear or discomfort when going to the dentist, and this type of fear usually stems from some unpleasant experience that occurred in childhood.
To help your children fight their fear of the dentist, you can put the following recommendations into practice. Keep in mind that your dentist appointments should take place frequently in order to detect any functional or developmental problems.
How to combat fear of the dentist?
1. Take children to the dentist forever
The sooner children start going to the dentist, the easier it will be for them to get used to receiving this type of care. The exact moment children start going to the dentist is when their first teeth come out. Preventive consultations should be initiated at this stage to verify that all structures are properly developed.
2. Avoid giving too much detail
The first time your child goes to the dentist, don’t give him too much detail so he doesn’t ask thousands of questions that you can’t answer properly and that can increase anxiety. Keep a positive attitude that reflects that this consultation is just a routine thing so that the child’s health remains in the best condition.
3. Play role-playing games first
Before making a real appointment, play dentist with the kids in the comfort of your own home. Show them in a playful moment some common aspects of the consultation, such as the use of the mirror or the proper handling of the toothbrush. With this simple activity, they will see that it is simple, everyday and does not need to be traumatic.
4. Don’t worry too much if there are signs of crying
At the age when children start going to the dentist, it is normal for them to cry and not want to interact with a stranger, but avoid intruding more than necessary. Most professionals in the field are already used to dealing with these situations and will know what to do. Just follow your instructions and accompany your child.
5. Create healthy habits related to oral hygiene
The best way to combat fear of the dentist is to have healthy habits at home and emphasize that it is very important to take care of your teeth. Show little ones the aesthetic and health benefits of good oral hygiene throughout all the years of life.
6. Avoid telling them about your bad experiences
The fear of going to the dentist can be easily imitated. If this is the case for you, avoid telling children traumatic events that happened to you that gave rise to your fears. If you already know how uncomfortable it is to go to the dentist for fear of pain or the procedures, you should try not to pass this on to your children. Think about their well-being first.
7. Take any item to the appointment that could distract the child in an “emergency”
If you’re afraid of your child’s reaction to the dentist, a good plan B is to bring an object or toy he likes so he can use it as a distraction. Keeping the child busy with something enjoyable will help them relax and think about something fun.
8. Give positive reinforcement that encourages good behavior
If your first meeting with the dentist is a positive experience, encourage that good behavior with positive words or small gifts. If you reward good behavior, your child’s attitude will be much more open the next time he or she needs to go to the dentist.
9. Tips for the care of children’s teeth
- Start taking care of children’s oral hygiene by brushing their gums, even before the first teeth start to show. Use special brushes with rubber bristles to clean your gums at least once a day.
- Encourage them to floss as soon as they can on their own, regardless of whether or not they already have permanent teeth. The habit of using dental floss must be acquired from the first years of life.
- Use the right toothpaste from the very first brushing. Many dentists recommend that fluoride-containing pastes not be used in the first few years of life. Follow to the letter the care indicated by the dentist for the specific case of your children.
