Dental phobia is quite common and it almost always begins out of a childhood fear. There are, however, ways to make kids feel more relaxed when going to the dentist. At Maiden Lane Dental here in New York, NY, we aim for all of our patients to have a positive and comfortable experience. That is why we want to give some tips to parents about easing their kids’ dental fears.
The earlier you start, the more familiar kids are with dental visits. Kids should start seeing the dentist when they grow in their first tooth, or by the age of one if that hasn’t happened yet. Regular cleaning and examinations from that point forward will help your kids feel at ease, since they know what to expect for each appointment.
For young kids who have never been to the dentist before or who do not remember going, you can play a “pretend dentist” game at home. Have them lean back in a recliner chair or a couch. Have them open wide and “examine” their teeth by counting each one. Explain that this is what the dentist will be doing and then when they leave, they will have very strong and healthy teeth.
Reward kids for good behavior at the dentist. Take them to a park afterwards, make their favorite dinner, or play a game with them. Be careful not to mention the reward before the visit though; this will make them think there is something to be afraid of that will require them to be good, which is not the case.
Kids and adults alike can actually begin to look forward to dental appointments! To schedule your child’s cleaning and examination, call Maiden Lane Dental of New York, NY at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment