Research has shown that your oral health is directly connected to your overall health. Because of this, it is important to maintain your oral health. Additionally, helping your children get acclimated to the dentist and value their oral health is crucial for their short- and long-term health. Helping your kids overcome dental fear can be difficult, but it should be a top priority. Consider the following tips to make sure your child is excited and ready for their next dental appointment. Let’s look at helping your kid overcome dental fear.
Helping Your Kid Overcome Dental Fear
Your child’s oral health when they are young will directly impact their long-term oral health. It is important to instill helpful oral health habits such as a consistent daily oral care routine and regular dental visits. In fact, experts recommend the following to help your child overcome their fear of the dentist.
Start Early:
The earlier the better when it comes to scheduling your child’s first dental visit. It is recommended that your child visit the dentist when their first tooth comes in, but no later than their first birthday. Getting your child acclimated to the dentist early on has been shown to reduce dental anxiety in children.
Explain and Prepare:
Be brief, direct, and positive when you discuss the dentist with your child. Let them know about their appointment in advance and what they can expect. Ask the receptionist about what will happen at the appointment so you can briefly walk your child through what will happen. Let them know there may be some minor changes, but give them the basic rundown of the dental visit. Use language that makes sense to them and is age-appropriate. For example, you can explain that an X-ray is just a picture of their teeth taken by a special camera. Finish off by telling them how important going to the dentist is for their oral health.
Set an Example:
Set a good example by taking care of your oral health and going to the dentist yourself. This is important for your oral and overall health and can make an impact on your child. You should also set a good example on the day of their appointment by being calm and positive. Avoid being over the top or trying to convince them how great the dentist is. Try to make it a good experience without all of the unnecessary buildup. Children often feed off their parents’ energy so it’s important to stay focused and in a good mindset.
Choose the Dentist Wisely:
Finding a kids dentist in Cedar Rapids can make a huge difference in terms of how your child perceives the dentist and their oral health. A pediatric dentist offers serious advantages when it comes to children’s dental health. Not only are they skilled in dentistry, but they understand the unique challenges that come with kids. Having a dentist that is patient, kind, and enjoys children can positively impact your child’s oral health for the long-term.
Stay Consistent:
It is recommended that kids visit the dentist at least every six months. For children with a history of tooth decay or other dental health issues, more frequent visits may be necessary. Talk with your dentist in Cedar Rapids about when and how often your child should visit the dentist’s office. Maintain their regularly scheduled appointments as consistency is key. Not only can it help your child get used to the dentist, but it can also help prevent a number of oral health issues.
Pediatric Dentist in Cedar Rapids
If you need to schedule your child’s dental appointment, contact the team at Rapids Dental. They are skilled in pediatric dentistry and are equipped to handle the unique needs of children. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!