Dental anxiety can be mild or severe. Mild anxiety can be helped by taking some simple steps. Read on to learn more.
Tips For Managing Dental Anxiety In Children
- Practice makes perfect! Make sure the first few visits to the dentist are positive experiences for your child. They will soon learn that there’s nothing to be afraid of and that getting their teeth cleaned by a dentist is no big deal.
- Bring your child along to your own dental appointments so they can see that there is nothing to be afraid of. You can also take your child along to their own appointments so you can both get used to going to the dentist together.
- When your child is anxious about their dentist visit, one of the best ways to ease their fears is to bring something with you that comforts them and reminds them of you. Bringing a small stuffed animal or other comfort item is a great way to help your child stay calm throughout their procedure. This also allows your child to associate their “safe” toy with their dentist visit, making the experience less frightening for them in the future.
- Starting young is important when it comes to teaching your kids about great oral health. Engage them in interactive books or games that teach them about the importance of brushing and flossing, as well as visiting the dentist on a regular basis. This way, they’ll learn about how great oral health is at a young age and be more likely to maintain it as they get older.
- Children learn by example. If you visit the dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams, make sure to do that with your child as well, so they get accustomed to this routine early on in life. This will help them develop healthy habits from a young age that will stay with them into adulthood and help them avoid cavities and gum disease.
- Practice What You Preach! Taking to the time to show your child proper brushing techniques at home is a great way to get them excited about taking care of their own teeth. It’s never too late to start practicing great oral care in your home. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Be sure to set a good example for your children by modeling these habits yourself! This will let them see that spending time with their teeth isn’t scary or painful—it can actually be fun!
To learn more habits to improve your oral health, call the Center for Advanced Dentistry or request an appointment online.