Dentistry relies — perhaps more than any other medical field — on patients' cooperation. It is nearly impossible to provide any kind of treatment for children who don't offer it. That is a problem, because plenty of kids are terrified of dentists.
The vast majority of children who walk into a dentist’s office, especially in developing countries, do so complainingh of toothaches. Depending on the child's age, the cause of the pain, and the dentis's clinical judgment, a number of different procedures may be performed to relieve the pain.
Never use visiting the dentist as a threat
Children are very observant — they pick up on social cues and develop fears or anxiety about things they have never experienced, even if we as parents don't have a clue.
Children should be allowed to make their own judgments and experiences. By using dental treatment as a threat or punishment, they begin to think of it as something bad. The idea is to build positive dental habits that allow the child to get preventive dental treatment now and later in adult life without any hindrances.
This is why it is parents and other caregivers should never use a visit to the dentist or the prospect of dental treatment as a threat.
Schedule a visit to the dentist early in the child’s life
The best time for a child to go to the dentist is before they have had the chance to develop any major dental problems. While this may seem counter-intuitive, regular preventative checkups will give kids the chance to get used to the dental chair without forming the impression that ending up in it always involves pain.
Ideally, children are just allowed to wait, see the dental chair, talk to the dentist, and build some confidence about going to the dental clinic. If the child shows some curiosity, they can also be allowed to observe an older sibling or a parent receiving treatment, so that they can see the dental clinic is nothing to be afraid of.
Tell your child the truth
Many children only end up in the dental clinic when they are suffering from significant pain, and there is no choice but to get treated. Parents can help make their children understand what is going to happen by telling them the truth.
It is surprising how children as young as three will start to accept dental treatment once they realize parents and dentists are being honest about the next steps. Showing the child some online videos of a typical dental examination, as well as making them talk to some older sibling or friend who has already experienced dental treatment, will help prepare them for a dental visit.
Use simple language to help prepare for dental treatment
It can be hard for adults to break down dental treatment into simple language and terms that young children can understand. Here are some of the approaches dentists use to help prepare kids for dental procedures.
- A dental chair can be a space ship which can go up or down, a drill that makes noise and spits out water can be a tiny shower for the teeth, the cotton rolls are towels for the teeth, and the suction tip is a straw to help make them more comfortable.
- Leave out details like the possibility of getting an injection or the amount of blood that may be seen after an extraction, because they are just going to create fear. If, however, the child specifically asks, be truthful without trying to incite fear.
Try to schedule an appointment with a pedodontist
Pedodontology is one of quite a few different dental specialties. A pedodontist is a kind of dentist who is trained to specifically take care of children's dental needs. These dentists have been trained in behavior management and are often better equipped to provide treatment to children.
If your child has been having trouble with your regular family dentist, you can ask them to refer you to a pedodontist who might be able to better manage the situation.
Conclusion
Preparing your child for a dental visit is nothing complicated. It is all about building positive habits and preventing your own anxieties and fears from trickling down to the child. Most children can be treated with the help of simple behavior modeling techniques, although some will need sedation, physical restraints, or general anesthesia to get the treatment done.