5 Tips for Getting Your Reluctant Kids to the Dentist

Do you have a hard time getting your kids to the dentist? Well, you are certainly not alone.

It is actually very common for children to experience a fear of visiting the dentist.

Our Top 5 Tips to Help Your Child Through a Dental Visit

While fear of dentists can spring up for many reasons, science has found that a child’s fear is often a result of a parent’s own dental anxieties. This is why it is important for parents to take steps to neutralize these fears so the child can move past them.

Here are some tips to help make an anxious child’s dental visit a breeze.

1. Give Advanced Notice

Before the big day, be sure to give your child an advanced warning that a dental visit is coming up.

Children thrive on predictability and giving them plenty of warning will allow them the time that they need to process any anxiety or ask you any questions they may have.

2. Be Honest and Straightforward

If your child has questions, try to answer them honestly. At the same time, also try not to overwhelm an anxious child with too much information, as this will only heighten their distress.

Whatever you do, never lie to a child to try to soften the blow, this will only make them more distrustful of experiences in the future, and they might not take you at your word in the future.

3. Bring Along a Favourite Toy or Comfort Object

Having a familiar toy can do a lot to comfort a child and help lessen anxiety and stress.

In addition, by associating the experience with a beloved object, the child is likely to be less fearful and hold more positive associations of the experience.

4. Stay Calm and Relaxed

It can be difficult to remain composed when your child is upset or in distress, but if they throw a tantrum at the dentist office, it is important to try to remain as relaxed and collected as possible.

If you become agitated, the child is likely to sense your anxiety and they will believe that their own fear is justified. Remaining calm will demonstrate to a nervous child that there is nothing to fear.

5. Trust Your Dentist

Remember that your dentist is a qualified professional who is here to help. They deal with children on a daily basis and are well informed as to how do to handle a fearful child.

And, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist for their advice.

We Are Highly Experienced in Pediatric Dentistry and We’re Happy To Help Teach Little Ones About Proper Dental Care

Here at Pickering Square Dental, we understand how hard it can be to get your little ones into the dentist office. That’s why we are here to help. We have a full staff of qualified professionals who are here to guide you through every step of the process.

To learn more, come and check us out in person, contact us online, or give us a call at 905.420.1777

 

Fun Tips to Teach Proper Dental Hygiene to Your Kids

Toddler smiling while brushing her teeth

Getting your child to start and follow a dental routine is no easy feat. Children just do not understand hygiene responsibility like adults do. Kids have to be reminded all the time when it is time to brush their teeth and on top of that, why they should actually do it.

 

If you are worried about your little one’s oral health, then you should offer some help to him or her. Employing the right techniques can achieve great results in an even fun way! Here are some great ways to convince your kids to care for their teeth.

 

  1. Brush teeth with your little one.

Experts say that kids should start learning to brush their teeth (with parent’s supervision and assistance) from the age of two. Having good dental hygiene at this early age can help prevent cavities, plaque, and other dental issues later on in life.

 

Brush your teeth side by side with your child as he or she brushes teeth too. This way, you can show your little one some good brushing techniques. When you brush properly, they will also learn to brush their teeth the right way.

 

  1. Look for tooth-related stories and read to them at night.

Instead of your usual fairy tale, look for some books that is about teeth to read to your child. Storytelling is a fun way to let your little one know how important it is to care for his or her teeth properly.

 

The Tooth Fairy, for example, can help your child feel less anxious about losing teeth.

 

  1. Let your little one have a pick of his or her own toothbrush.

Your child’s toothbrush is his or her personal belonging. Allowing your child to choose a toothbrush every three months is a great way to introduce them the proper custom of changing toothbrushes regularly. Changing brushes maintains the brush cleaning ability while ensuring that bacteria do not accumulate either.

 

For toothpaste, let your child have a pick from kid-friendly ones that are not too harsh or minty.

 

 

  1. Incorporate a song or dance routine while brushing.

Every little kid loves dancing and singing, and incorporating music in your routine turns a boring task into a fun and exciting activity that he or she will look forward to. Be as silly as possible!

 

It may also be a fun idea to take turns humming songs that the other would guess!

 

 

  1. Create a reward system

Have a chart with a record of your child’s oral health routine achievements. You can give incentives for reaching certain milestones. Make sure that you include all the important oral care must-dos like brushing, flossing, cleaning their tongue, and rinsing.

 

We hope these fun methods will help your child learn the importance of dental hygiene while enjoying the routine, too. Allow them to develop a sense of responsibility and encourage them with enthusiasm all the time!