Don’t Fear the Dentist: How to Make a Trip to the Clinic a Good Experience

Let’s face it, no one enjoys a trip to the dentist. However, as an adult, you can appreciate that this is just something that needs to get done. Kids, on the other hand, don’t really care about this. Many are terrified of anything being done to their teeth and can be reluctant to head to a dental clinic.

If you have been facing some pushback from your kids, don’t worry. There are several things that you can do to ensure that they actually have a positive experience, priming them for good dental health from here on out.

Visit the Right Clinic

This can’t be stressed upon enough! Not all clinics are set up for kids and this really shows. The resulting offices can be cold and sterile-looking, making children even more afraid of their visits. Not to mention, the dental clinicians themselves may not be trained to deal with kids and may not have the right skills to help put kids at ease.

So, always do your research beforehand and select family-friendly experts like Barrie Smile Centre dentists. This can do a great deal to ensure that the experience is both pleasant and comfortable for both you and your kids.

Use Role Play to Prepare Them

If your kids are young enough, you may want to pick up a kit with a bunch of different tools that are typically used by oral healthcare experts. Then, take turns playing dentist. Show your kids how to use the tools and then let them demonstrate on you.

It is also a good idea to use (sanitized) toy tools on your child as well. This will help them get used to the idea of having these items in their mouth. Not to mention, the sensation will be less shocking when they are at a dental clinic.

Create a Pleasant Atmosphere

Now, bribing your kids to go get their teeth checked isn’t going to work. Nevertheless, there are other ways that you can make this seem like a more tempting trip. For instance, why not let your child dress up in their favorite crazy outfit before they set out?

Or, have a fun activity that you can do once the visit to the clinic is over. This way, they will associate the trip with a positive experience. At the very least, you can keep them distracted enough so that they won’t have time to worry.

Be a Good Role Model

Keep in mind that kids tend to take their cues from you. So, if you seem freaked out about going to the dentist, they will mirror these emotions. However, if you are upbeat about it, then there will be less for them to worry about.

If possible, have your kids sit on a session where you are getting your teeth checked out. This way, they can see that it is a quick and painless experience.

It may take some time and effort before your kids are completely comfortable with a trip to the dental clinic. After a while, though, they will come around, especially if you use the right tactics with them.

 

 

 

Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on Unsplash