Oral health is important for people of all ages. Research has shown the connection between your oral health and overall health. Starting early is one of the best ways to ensure your child’s short- and long-term oral health stay in shape. Below you will find the top 7 ways parents can help kids at the dentist.
7 Ways Parents Can Help Kids at the Dentist
Helping your child understand the importance of their oral health is beneficial for their health. Consider the following ways you can support your child at the dentist.
Start Early:
It is recommended that children visit the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or by the time they turn one. Starting early can help your child get acclimated to the dentist’s office, in addition to addressing any oral health concerns early on. Regular dental visits at total dental care are critical for children’s oral health. So be sure to talk with your child’s dentist about when and how often they should visit.
Make It Educational and Entertaining:
Kids can be easily distracted which can be highly beneficial when it comes to going to the dentist. Distract them with some fun and educational activities that will help them feel more engaged in the process. Talk to your child in advance about their visit. Share the importance of oral health and their daily oral care routine and how that connects to their dental visit. This can get your child excited about going to the dentist and taking good care of their teeth. One fun way to introduce some entertainment is by picking a song to brush their teeth to. Some use the birthday song, but you can choose whatever song your child loves at the moment!
Use Positive Reinforcement:
Stay positive when it comes to your child’s oral health and dental visits. This can help keep your child on track. For example, use a star chart to reward them for brushing their teeth every morning and night. This can show them the importance of consistency and discipline when it comes to your oral health. Use words of affirmation and positive reinforcement to help your child feel invested in their oral health.
Play Dress Up:
Depending on how old your child is, you can play dress up and pretend to be a dentist and patient. This is great as it can get your child acclimated to the fact that tools will be used to clean their teeth. In addition, you can help them understand the process during the appointment. This can be educational and informative, but it can also help your child feel confident about their dental visit as they will know what to expect.
Provide Support and Encourage Independence:
Helping your child feel in control during the appointment can be really helpful. This can be as small as letting them lead the way into the dentist’s office or even introducing themselves to the Burbank dentist for kids. If your child is on the shy side, this can be really helpful in building their confidence. Whether your child is shy or outgoing, this can be helpful in getting them used to the dentist.
Create a Safety Signal:
Some children are less vocal than others. With that, create a signal with your child that helps them understand they can reach out if they need help. This can be something like a word or even a hand squeeze. This can help build trust so they understand you are there to advocate for them if they need anything. While letting them take the lead can be great, be sure and help them feel supported as well.
Plan A Fun Activity After:
A great way to help your child get through their dental appointment seamlessly is to set up a fun activity afterward. This can include something like a movie or a trip to the park. Avoid things like going out to ice cream, as it can be slightly counterproductive after a dentist appointment. Giving your child something to look forward to can help them associate the dentist with a good time.