February is Dental Health Month, so we thought it would be nice to focus on this important aspect of life; caring for your teeth & teaching your child to take care of theirs. My daughters both go to Pediatric Dental Associates in Fayetteville and we love it there, so I asked them for some advice on pediatric dental care. This week they have some great ideas for reducing your child's anxiety about going to the dentist:
· Pick an appointment time that is best for the child. Children under the age of 5 generally do better with early morning appointments. This ensures that the child is fully rested and will avoid meltdowns that can be triggered by exhaustion.
· Be careful with words. Dentists refrain from using words like “shot” and “needle” and it is recommended that parents do the same. Specialized techniques are used when numbing pediatric patients. Unbelievably, many times a child will not even realize they have received a shot, especially if they have not been told to expect one.
· Use role play. This can be done by assisting the child with brushing and flossing, having the child open their mouth and let mom/dad count their teeth. If the child is hesitant to be the patient, let the child be the dentist instead or play dentist with the child’s toys.
· Allow the child to tag along to their parent’s dental cleaning. It gives them an opportunity to become familiar with the sights, sounds and smells of a dental office, without the stress of being a patient.
· Visit the office beforehand. Stop in and let the child check out the waiting area and meet the dental staff. This will help the child feel more familiar when it’s time for their appointment.
· Make oral hygiene FUN! If a child associates brushing their teeth with fun, they are less likely to have negative attitude toward seeing the dentist.
You can also visit www.mychildrensteeth.org to see more tips from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Pediatric Dental Associates, conveniently located off Joyce in Fayetteville, offers gentle dentistry in a kid-friendly, fun environment. The waiting room features fun gaming & a kids theater and your child can watch a movie while they have their teeth cleaned. The mission of Pediatric Dental Associates is to offer exceptional pediatric dental & orthodontic care in a gentle & fun environment in which kids feel safe and parents can relax. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends your child see a dentist by their first birthday. Call 479 582 0600 or go to www.smilesarewild.com to schedule your appointment today!
