Anxiety about dental procedures, expectations of pain, and negative associations with someone touching their teeth are just a few reasons children grow weary of visiting the dentist. But it doesn’t have to be this way! By working with them early, parents can prepare children for the dentist and create better dental habits. Here are just seven ways parents can impact their child’s relationship to the dentist.
Creating Better Associations With the Dentist
Having negative associations with the dentist is a common thing for people of all ages. But, by establishing healthy, positive perceptions early, parents can help save their children from future dentist anxiety and help set the stage for more positive experiences.
So, what can parents do now to begin preparing children for the dentist?
- Start taking children to the dentist early
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Role model good oral hygiene
- Avoid using words like “hurt” or “pain” when talking about the dentist
- Avoid sharing any negative dental experiences
- Schedule and keep regular dental visits
Education + Good Dental Hygiene = Better Dental Memories
Each of the seven ways listed above that parents can make a positive impact on their child’s perception of the dentist can be grouped into two categories: education and good dental hygiene.
Teaching children the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums can be a great starting point for encouraging better dental visits. The healthier children’s teeth are the fewer chances they’ll encounter cavities or invasive dental treatments. Creating a solid regiment of regular teeth brushing, flossing, and dental visits will also help diminish anxieties through repeition and their level of comfort with their teeth.
Lead the Way to Help Prepare Children for the Dentist
A good role model can have a huge impact on children, including their relationship to dentists. Parents can lead the way by practicing good dental hygiene themselves, scheduling regular dental visits for everyone in the family, and by avoiding negative words like “hurt” or “pain” when talking about the dentist. Using these words can create a negative connotation and influence their imagination to conjure negative experiences before they ever happen.
Contact Evolution Dental Today
If you live in Calgary, Northwest Calgary, Cochrane or other nearby areas of Alberta and would like to learn more about family dentistry, you can call Evolution Dental today at 403-768-2433 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kendra Schick.
*all procedures performed at our practice by a general dentist
