The dentist office can be a scary, overwhelming place to a child. Helping a child to feel comfortable in such a new, different environment may be a challenge for most parents. But it is a challenge that can be overcome with a few carefully planned preparations.
Consider the dentist office from your child's perspective: Strange instruments making unusual sounds. New, persistent faces putting the hard-sell on an unusual-looking motorized reclining chair. And inevitably, the echos of another screaming child from down the hall can collectively put a young, new patient on the defensive. Throw in an imposing stranger with a mask and rubber gloves coming in for a close-up, and your child will be running in the opposite direction.
Let's be honest. No one really likes to go to the dentist. As a matter of fact, many adults are down right scared. DentalCareSource cites a study that found that half of Americans don't visit the dentist regularly, and 9-15% are avoiding their dental appointments because of fear. This calculates to 30-40 million people each year who don't get the dental health care they should because they are just too scared to go.
So how can we expect hesitant children to put on a brave front and face an experience that most adult Americans choose to avoid?
Most children fear what is unfamiliar to them. If you want your child's first dental visit to be a good experience, you need to make it familiar, and the sooner you start the better. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a child see the dentist before his/her first birthday or when the first tooth appears, whichever is sooner. They also recommend regular check-ups every six months.
Here are some suggestions of things you can do to make your child's first dental experience a success.
Talk to Your Child About What to Expect at the Dentist. WebMD advises parents to talk to their children in simple terms about the dental exam and how important it is to take good care of their teeth and gums. Parents should explain to their children that it is the dentist's job to help them keep their teeth and gums healthy. Most early dental visits consist of an examination of the gums and teeth, followed by brushing and possibly a fluoride treatment.
Role Play. Pretend you are the dentist and your child is the patient. Using their toothbrush, count their teeth as you gently brush them and give lots of praise and encouragement like, "You are such a great patient!" and "Your teeth are so nice and clean!" Have your child practice being the dentist using dolls, stuffed animals and other toys as patients. The more times they play the part, the more familiar and less scary it will seem.
Choose a Pediatric Dentist. The AAPD describes pediatric dentists as "the pediatricians of dentistry." Their practice is limited to treating children only and they have an additional 2-3 years of specialty training after dental school. Some pediatric dental offices have TV's, video games and prizes to motivate and distract the children during the appointment.
Read Books About the Dentist. There are many great children's books that address the fear of the dentist. Check your local library for titles like "Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer)", "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" and "The Tooth Book" by Dr. Seuss.
Visit the Dentist Office Before Your Appointment. Have your child accompany you or an older sibling to the dentist. If that is not possible, take your child to the office before his/her appointment. Check out the waiting area, meet the staff and get familiar with the surroundings. It will help your child be less fearful if he/she knows what to expect.
Only you know what the best approach is to take with your child. Once a child reaches the age of three or four, it becomes easier to reason with them and explain the importance of visiting the dentist.
Whether you have luck at the dentist when your child is the age of one or the age of six, make good dental health a part of your daily routine. The AAPD recommends brushing twice daily. While helping your child brush, it is important to not only discuss the importance of taking care of the teeth and gums, but to believe it and practice it yourself.
By starting your child's dental experience early, getting into a routine of regular check ups, and brushing daily, you will be helping your child make a lifelong commitment to good dental health.
Laurie Zinn - Laurie Zinn is a freelance writer and Topic Editor for the seniors/grandparents section at Suite 101. After earning her ...
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