Just uttering the word “dentist” is enough to send shivers down the spine of children. Kids are often afraid of going to any kind of doctor. They fear needles, medicines, and anything that will cause them pain in general.
Despite their fear, regular dentist’s appointments are a must. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents should bring their kids for a dental checkup every six months.
Here are some tips to help your anxious kids with dental appointments:
Begin dental appointments when they are young
Do you remember things that happened with you when you were younger vividly? Other than a few memories that stood out, you probably don’t remember everything. We tend to forget the little things that happen to us as we get older and we get used to certain things quicker when we start young too.
Most parents wonder when’s the ideal age to begin getting their kids to the dentist. We suggest parents begin bringing their kids in for dental appointments the moment their first tooth appears. Starting them off at a young age makes them get comfortable with the idea of visiting a dentist. Dentists can also keep an eye on the development of the child and look out for any early signs of decay and other issues, treating them as they go.
Play “dentist” at home
Before your very first appointment with the dentist with your kid, reenact a small role-play to get comfortable with the idea of going for appointments. Get them to clean their teeth and guide them to sit in the chair with a mirror. Ask them to open their mouth and pretend to check their teeth so that they get familiar with the idea. This little activity will prepare them for the actual appointment and it’s less likely that they will get scared.
Go to an experienced pediatric dentist
The dentist you’re visiting for dental checkups plays a huge role in how the whole appointment turns out. Pediatric dentists specialize in working with kids and as a result know how to make them feel at ease pretty quickly. They are also trained to be super careful so that the kids experience hardly any discomfort during the checkup.
The staff involved in pediatric dentistry is used to working with kids and know all the techniques needed to keep them calm. The clinic itself is designed to be child-friendly so that there is no scary equipment visible like injections or huge lights on site to intimidate them.
If you’re looking for a pediatrics specialist Cinnaminson NJ, you’re in luck! Rapha Dental is known for its amazing pediatric dentistry services. Our family dentist Cinnaminson NJ has years of experience in the field and deals with every child in the most gentle way possible. Call (856) 829-8668 to book an appointment today.