A visit to the dentist is unfortunately often accompanied by high levels of stress, both on the part of the child and on the part of the parent. This article aims to introduce you to the steps that should be taken to reduce your stress level and make your visit to the dentist a relaxed and enjoyable experience. So parents, here's what you need to do to prepare your child for the dentist's chair.
Free yourself from fear
The first and most important step is for you, as a parent/guardian/guardian, to try to let go of your personal worries, fears and attitudes about visiting the dentist. Appointments with the dentist sometimes are
a challenge, but you should not allow your experiences and emotions to influence the child in advance and the possibility for him to experience this meeting in a different, positive and pleasant way. It is recommended that visits to the dentist take place prophylactically, on time, and not in the presence of symptoms (visible stain or hole in the tooth, complaint of pain, redness, swelling, etc.).
Clean the child's teeth carefully
Help the child gently brush his teeth before the visit to the dentist. In daily care, do not leave him brushing his teeth unattended.
Explain to the child where you are going
Explain to the child in a calm tone and expression where you are going according to his age (at the tooth fairy, in the tooth factory...) and why (see the teeth with a mirror, count them, check if there are hidden teeth
monsters, to wash them with magic paste and a brush). It's important to have the conversation WITHOUT THE USE OF WORDS:
"FEAR" / "PAIN" / "MACHINE" / "NEEDLE" / "STING" / "THERE'S NOTHING SCARED" /' "IT WILL NOT HURT" / "WE'RE GOING TO THE DOCTOR"
Suitable books and videos for children's visits to the dentist
Show the child a book, video or game on this topic, to help him understand more easily. Suitable are:
- A booklet "An Amazing Journey to Wonderland";
- A booklet "Why should we brush our teeth";
- A booklet "How Yoni Defeated the Tooth Monsters";
- A booklet Knock and Knock (there is also such a performance for children in the State Puppet Theater - Stara Zagora);
- A booklet "Maxi at the Dentist";
– The video series "Zablandia" on the YouTube channel of the Bushkalova Specialized Dental Clinic.
– Children's play set "I am a dentist".
Don't give a reward in advance
Don't promise a reward in advance, to reward the child's good behavior. This will not motivate him to be a good patient. Make the visit to the dentist fun based on the child's interests. We will give a sticker for courage, and you can treat yourself to the wonderful experience 🙂
