9 Tips To Combat Fear Of The Dentist
When they reach adulthood, many people feel fear or discomfort when going to the dentist, and usually, this type of fear stems from some uncomfortable experience that was had during childhood.
To help your children fight the fear of the dentist, you can put into practice the recommendations that you will see below. Remember that visits to the dentist should be made frequently to detect any functional or developmental problems.
How to combat fear of the dentist?
1. Wear them from a young age. The earlier children start visiting a dentist, the easier it is for them to get used to receiving this type of care. The precise moment for children to start visiting the dentist is when their first teeth appear; At this stage, preventive visits should be started to verify that all structures are properly developed.
2. Avoid giving them too much detail. The first time you take them to the dentist, do not give them too much detail so that there are not thousands of questions that you may not be able to answer properly and that can increase anxiety. Keep a positive attitude that reflects that this visit is really a routine so that their health remains in the best condition.
3. Do role-playing games beforehand. Before making a real appointment, play the dentist with your children in the comfort of your home. Show them during a recreational moment some common aspects in the review, such as the use of the mirror or the proper handling of the toothbrush; With this simple activity they will see that it is something simple, everyday and that it does not have to be traumatic.
4. Don’t be overly concerned if there are signs of crying. By the age when children start to go to the dentist, it is normal for them to cry and not want to interact with a strange person, but avoid intruding more than necessary. Most professionals in this field are already used to handling these situations and will know what to do. Just follow their directions and accompany your child.
5. Create healthy habits related to oral hygiene. The best thing to combat fear of the dentist is to have healthy habits at home to highlight that it is very important to take care of your teeth. He points out with them the aesthetic and health benefits that adequate oral hygiene brings during all the years of his life.
6. Avoid telling them your bad experiences. The fear of going to the dentist can be easily imitated; If this is your case, avoid telling them traumatic events that happened to you and gave rise to your fears. If you already know how uncomfortable it is to go to the dentist having fear of pain or processes, you should try not to transmit it to your children. Think about their well-being first.
7. Bring an item to your appointment that can distract them in an “emergency”. A good plan B if you fear your children’s reaction to the dentist is to bring an object or toy that they like a lot with you so that you can use it as a distraction. Keeping them busy with something enjoyable will help them relax and set their minds on something fun for them.
8. Give positive reinforcement that encourages good behavior. If the first meeting with the dentist is a positive experience, encourage this good behavior with positive words or small gifts. If you reward their good behavior, their attitude will be much more open the next time they visit the dentist.
9. Tips for the care of teeth in children
- Start taking care of your children’s oral hygiene by brushing their gums, even before their first teeth start to appear. Use special brushes with rubber bristles to clean their gums at least once a day.
- Encourage them to floss as soon as they can do it themselves, regardless of whether it is their permanent teeth. The habit of using dental floss must be acquired from the first years of life for it to last.
- Use the right toothpaste from the first brushing. Many dentists recommend that fluoride-containing creams not be used in the first years of life; Follow to the letter the care indicated by the dentist for the specific case of your children.
