If you are a parent, you might be struggling with convincing your child of the importance of going to the dentist. Trying to get them to willingly go to the orthodontist or dentist might be akin to pulling teeth. This can be extremely stressful for both the child and the parent. The last thing you want is a temper tantrum or a child that does not understand the importance of dental care. This can lead to serious health problems for your child.
Our staff at Pediatric Dental Associates have prepared the following list of three tips to help your child get over their fear of the dentist. Remember, if you are in need of an orthodontist in Midland Park or a children’s dentist in Midland Park, look no further than Pediatric Dental Associates!
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Play Pretend Dentist with your Child
The dentist office can be a frightening place for children. Disturbing noises, scary instruments, and strange smells can all lead to a bad perception of the dentist office for your child. If you can help your child get familiar with this experience at home, you will be one step closer to helping them get over any fear that they have of a visit to the dentist. We suggest playing with your child and acting like a make-believe dentist to help you achieve this step.
You can purchase a mirror and tell them to count how many teeth you have. Additionally, you can ask them to give you an opinion on your mouth. Tell them what fillings are if you have them and why you received them. Make sure you are explaining things in a way that does not make your child fearful.
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Start Early
The sooner you can get your child going to the dentist, the sooner they can get familiar with the process. Starting your child’s routine check-ups from around 3 to 6 months old can make a huge difference. If you wait until they are 5 years old, the strange new world of the dentist will be a lot tougher for them to adjust to.
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Stay in the Room with Your Child
When your child is fearful of the dentist and you are looking to help them overcome this fear, staying in the room during the dental visit can help immensely. You can offer soothing words while the dentist does his work. Sometimes silence can be very unnerving for children, particularly in unfamiliar environments.
We hope these three tips can help your child learn to conquer their fears of the dentist and enjoy healthy teeth for years to come. If you are in need of an orthodontist in Midland Park or a children’s dentist in Midland Park, Pediatric Dental Associates is a great option!
For more information or to book an appointment, call us now at (201) 652-7020.
