According to the American Association of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child’s first dental visit should be around your child’s first birthday. You need to visit a pediatric dentist even if your child has no dental complaints, the dentist can assess the oral cavity for things that you might not know and help you give preventive tips to maintain your child’s pearly whites.
I am sure most parents are apprehensive about taking their kids to a dentist. But worry not, we are here for you. Just go through these six-pointers and voila! We are super ready.
1) Your child deserves special treatment: Always, just always, take your kid to a pediatric dentist and not a general dentist. Unlike general dentists, pediatric dentists undertake over 36 months of specialized training on how to deal with children’s behavior, make the little tots feel comfortable in a clinic set up, and address their unique dental needs and issues. You would go to a skin specialist or an orthopedic for problems of skin or bones respectively. Then, hey, your child’s teeth require special care too! Additionally, a pediatric dental office has a child-friendly environment with lots of toys and fun things to play with, that makes your child feel at ease. Let the child get used to the environment and play around.
2) Be careful with your words: We understand that sometimes you or some of your family members may have had a bad or traumatic dental experience. Do not transfer your anxiety to your child; your child can sense your fear. Threatening the child with a dentist as punishment can lead to disruptive behavior. We need to be really careful with the words we choose while we talk to the little ones. Using words like a shot, drill, injection in front of your kids is a big NO! I still remember when I was little and had to undergo a root canal, my mom just told me that the doctor will numb my teeth and make my pain go away, and this actually alleviated my fear. Pediatric dentists have their own ways of communicating with children in a language they best understand.
3) Build that excitement: Talk to your child to build excitement and better understanding about the dental visit. Assure them that there is going to be no pain. You can also talk to your spouse about it while your child is listening because they tend to grasp such things faster. You can tell them that the dentist will just count his/her teeth and help them look after their teeth in a better way. You can have a mock fun session at home where you count your child’s teeth with a finger in his/her mouth and then let the child check yours. Let me tell you, kids really enjoy doing it and look forward to it. So many of my patients’ parents have told me that after the visit they go home and mimic me and that it is so much fun for them.
4) Read, watch, play: Fear is usually of the unknown. You can familiarize your child with the dental environment or a set up through various videos, books, and mobile games. Some of my recommendations are:-
- Videos:
- Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer)
- Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
- Books:
- The tooth book by Dr. Seuss
- Just going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
- Online Games:
- Children’s doctor: dentist (Yovo Games)
- Dentist Games for Kids Teeth Doctor
5) Positive reinforcements: Allow your child to bring their favorite item or toy to the dental clinic visit. Reward them if they behave nicely during their visit. Most pediatric dentists also work on the principle of positive reinforcements, and they too will reward your kid in some or other way.
6) Workaround your child’s timings: Schedule an appointment that works best for your child. Some kids are fresher in the mornings and some after the afternoon nap. Select the time best suited for your child. Inform your pediatric dentist about any specific traits that your child may have. If the pediatric dentist is well informed, there wouldn’t be any surprises and it will be a pleasant experience for your child. Sometimes your child may take time to cooperate. So be patient and don’t force things.
Despite all this, if you find your child throwing a tantrum or not cooperating at the dental clinic, do not worry. We have it covered. From tearing of the plastic cover of the dental chair to the child spraying the whole clinic with a jet spray, your pediatric dentist would have seen it all. Be rest assured – the pediatric dentist will be there for you and your child to provide nothing but the best!
As parents, you play a pivotal role in helping your child develop healthy habits and oral hygiene early on in life – this will bring lifelong benefits and may save you a lot of money in the future as well.
I hope this helps you make the right decision regarding your child’s dental health, and keep your or your child’s fears at bay.
We understand that parents may have concerns about their child’s oral health, dental pain, emergencies and treatment during this covid-19 pandemic. But do not worry. All health professionals follow strict guidelines during this situation keeping the safety of the patients their topmost priority.
Happy Smiles to all J
About the author
Dr.Urvi Mehta, MDS
Paediatric & Preventive Dentist, Mumbai
Email: – urvikmehta1@gmail.com
Visit – www.finddentistforkids.com to know a real pediatric dentist near you