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9 Tips to Make Dentist Visits Fun for Kids
Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 17-12-2024
Regular dental visits are important for everyone, but especially children. A child’s mouth is still growing and changing, so we need to monitor their development closely. That way, we can identify and intervene if something isn’t progressing as it should. These appointments are also a crucial opportunity for education and building positive associations with oral care.
Visiting the dentist, however, can feel like a nightmare scenario for children with dental anxiety. Consequently, it’s very important to make these appointments fun and enjoyable.
Before the Dental Visit
1. Choose a child-friendly dentist
You can set yourself and your child up for success by choosing the right dentist. It’s very important that you find a Milton family dental clinic that not only treats children, but specializes in dentistry for children and has created a child-friendly environment.
At Milltown Dental, we have lots of experience treating infants, children, and adolescents! Furthermore, we designed our office to be a suitable care environment for patients of all ages. There is a play area for kids to enjoy, which helps to keep them calm and engaged as you wait. Our staff are all friendly, welcoming, and fun, too.
There are also TVs in every one of our treatment rooms to keep children entertained and—if need be—distracted. Cozy blankets are available as well. We want your child to have an enjoyable visit with us, and every member of our team is dedicated to making that happen.
2. Make oral hygiene fun
Dental visits can get a lot scarier when they involve additional procedures, like cavity filling. Therefore, one of the best ways to keep these appointments light and fun is to make sure your child arrives with a healthy mouth. That means practising good oral hygiene habits at home.
If at-home oral care is fun, then it’s easier to maintain. Maintaining good oral health then makes dental visits more enjoyable for everyone. So, you see, fun really is the secret to a healthy mouth!
Incorporate games, music, and a reward system to instill good oral health practices at home. Additionally, make sure that you’re setting a good example for your little one by caring for your own teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing should be a fun, entertaining family activity!
3. Play pretend dentist
Playing pretend dentist is a powerful tool for teaching your child about the importance of oral care and demystifying their upcoming dental visit. You can help make the real visit less intimidating by role-playing dental appointments at home. If the experience already feels familiar, they’re less likely to experience anxiety.
Take turns being the dentist and the patient, so your child can visualize every part of the process. Let them imagine sitting in the chair and being cared for by their friendly dentist. Moreover, make sure you use lots of positive language and paint the experience as an exciting adventure.
You can also use dental-themed storybooks, toys, apps, and videos to teach children about dental appointments.
4. Use positive language to prepare your child
When you talk to your child about their upcoming appointment and the experience of visiting the dentist, strictly use positive language. Steer away from any complicated or anxiety-evoking language, such as words like “pain,” “needle,” or “drill.” Although explaining dental visits to your child can help familiarize them with the experience, you also don’t want to scare them. Keep it simple and positive.
Positive reinforcement can influence your child’s perception about visiting the dentist. Talk about the dentist in a positive light and share your own experiences with affirmative language. You should also explain the benefits of these appointments so that your child understands why they’re so important.
During the Appointment
5. Bring comfort items
A familiar, comforting object can help calm your child’s nerves during their appointment. This could be a blanket, stuffed animal, or toy—whatever they find comfort in! We also have cozy blankets available at our Milton family dental clinic.
Additionally, you can bring entertainment for your child, such as one of their favourite books or a small game. If you forget, fear not, Milltown Dental has TV entertainment, toys, and games your child can enjoy.
6. Engage in child-friendly language
You can’t communicate with child patients in the same way as adult patients. First of all, that would be scary for the little ones! Explaining dental procedures can help children feel less anxious, but it’s important to communicate in an age-appropriate way. There’s no need to use words like “drill,” “shot,” or “pain.”
At Milltown Dental, we use child-friendly language to walk our younger patients through every step of their appointment. That way, we avoid any surprises or uncertainties.
One of our goals is to use these appointments as an opportunity to educate your child while building positive associations with oral care. That means creating a communicative environment where they’re free to be curious and ask questions.
7. Give them choices
Children tend to feel less anxious when they are in control. Although we can’t let them wield any dental tools, we can empower them with small decisions. They can choose which toothbrush to use, pick the toothpaste flavour, or choose a fluoride flavour. This sense of control can make the experience less intimidating and more enjoyable.
After You Leave the Clinic
8. Reward good behaviour
After the appointment, make sure you reward all good behaviour. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in turning dental visits into positive experiences. Even if your child was scared and cried, let them know you are proud of them for being brave and sitting through their appointment. Make sure you take every opportunity to celebrate their courage and success!
Verbal praise, a certificate of bravery, a small reward, or a fun outing are all great rewards for your child. You can also promise a reward before the appointment, since the anticipation of a reward can help build excitement and encourage your child to face their fears.
9. Do something fun
Dental appointments don’t take all day. So, why not take the rest of the day and do something fun with your child? This helps turn the day of their appointment into one filled with fun, excitement, and enjoyable family time with you.
Choose an activity that is sure to lift your child’s spirits. This could be a trip to their favourite park, the movie theatre, or another place your child can play. Again, it’s all about forming positive associations. If your child associates going to the dentist with a day of fun, they’re more likely to look forward to it next time.
Choose a Milton Family Dental Clinic For Your Child’s Next Dental Appointment
Milltown Dental offers the highest standard of dentistry for patients of all ages, including children. Our Milton family dental clinic is backed by an expert team that strives to ensure your child’s early dental experiences are positive, educational, and fun. We take pride in creating a welcoming, friendly, and fun dental atmosphere for our smallest patients.
To schedule an appointment at our Milton family dental clinic, call Milltown Dental at (833) 318-3281 or contact us here.
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