A dentist for kids prepares your child to make visits to the clinic a normal part of their lives as they grow. According to Medical Principles and Practice, dental anxiety affects millions of people in the U.S., and it can severely affect a person's dental and overall health.
People with dental anxiety often avoid going to the dentist. They allow their dental issues to fester until the pain becomes so severe that it forces them to go to the dentist's office. This typically leads to higher dental bills, and they might unnecessarily spend months dealing with painful symptoms like toothaches until they get the care that they need.
Let us take a look at a few of the ways that parents can prepare their children for their appointment with a dentist for kids.
The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking children for their first dental appointment before their first birthday. This enables the dentist to evaluate their teeth and gums to ensure that they develop properly. Any abnormalities can also be noticed at this stage.
Early dental appointments help familiarize children with the clinic. Children typically do not have an aversion to dentists when they are this young, so it is easy to create positive associations. The equipment used by dentists, like dental drills, can be intimidating, so early visits play an important role in getting children used to them.
Children can pick up on their parent's anxiety, which can affect how they view going to the dentist. Parents should avoid telling their children scary or negative stories about the dentist because this can make them anxious. For example, children sometimes do not cry after a minor fall, but they will start crying if their parents make a big deal about it. Parntes should be mindful of their behavior when talking to their child about their dental appointment.
Dental appointments can be overwhelming for a child. They have to stay still in a dental chair for extended periods, which feels like a punishment. They also have to keep their mouths open while the dentist examines them with scary-looking tools.
Parents should form positive associations with going to the dentist, so the child does not focus on the things that they did not like about the appointment. Take them somewhere like the park or buy them a small toy, so their brain associates dental visits with the fun things that they get afterward.
Toys bring comfort to children and help them relax, so the child should bring a favorite toy to their appointment. Try not to make it a big deal, though. Only give the child the toy if they ask for it or seem stressed.
A dentist for kids can help monitor the development of your child's teeth. Call or visit our San Clemente clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistinsanclemente.com or call Nina Basti DDS at (949) 201-4719 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist in San Clemente, CA.
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