Some children love going to the dentist, but this is not the case for many children. To date, we have met many children who experience dentist fear at different levels. For some children, even hearing the words dentist or examination is enough for them to get stressed.
Your child's oral health is of course very important, but forcing a frightened child to sit in the dentist's chair is an issue that needs to be given much more importance.
1. Read Stories About Dentists to Your Child
Reading stories about dentists to children is a very useful method. Since Turkish sources for books are very limited, you can access foreign books or watch an age-appropriate cartoon whose content you have watched and checked beforehand. A story in which the main character has a happy and enjoyable dental examination will also be good for your child.
2. Take your child for a dental exam while he/she is as young as possible and before his/her teeth decay
Many dentists recommend that children have their first dental exam at the age of one. Meeting a dentist at an early age is very beneficial not only for oral health, but also for your child to get used to the concept of the dentist. In this way, your child will get used to this environment, will not feel alienated, and will have the chance to develop a trusting relationship with the dentist.
3. Play the "Dentistry" game at home
Before taking your child for a dental examination, it will be very useful to rehearse the dental examination. You can play the role of a dental patient and have your child examine you like a dentist, and then change the roles and examine your child in the patient role as a dentist. In this way, you can give your child clues about what to expect during the examination. If he wishes, your child can use a toy as a patient and examine him. You can easily create your decor at home with a chair, mirror and toothbrush.
4. Communicate simply
Telling your child about the dentist's visit at the last minute increases stress and anxiety. If your child is afraid of the dentist, spend ample time to prepare him psychologically before the visit. date y Before meeting, give him information and remind him about the date several times.
If your child has questions, be sure to answer them before going to the dentist. Do not use uncertain words such as "Everything will be fine", because if a treatment need arises or a procedure that he does not like is performed, his trust in both your words and the dentist will be shaken.
Use positive sentences, for example, "the dentist is only a doctor." "He wants to count your teeth and see if they show when you smile." You can try to make your dentist visit more attractive, especially by using words such as “clean”, “healthy”, “strong”.
5. Choose Pedodontics Specialists
Taking your child to a pedodontics (child dentistry) specialist will provide you with advantages. In addition to being experts on tiny teeth and milk teeth, pedodontists; They also know how to make children feel good on the sofa. Thus, the child can have a more enjoyable experience during the examination.
Small details are important; Establishing a bond of communication and trust with the child beforehand, explaining what will happen after sitting on the couch, explaining how to give feedback to the child through gamification, etc.
6. Explain to your child the importance of oral health and be an example to him/strong>
Explaining to your child how important dental health and cleanliness is and providing care will be an important health investment for him. Clarify what you need to do for healthy teeth, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, using dental floss, rinsing your mouth after eating something sweet or acidic, and visiting the dentist regularly. Remind them that dentists are there to make their teeth strong and their smile beautiful and healthy. . Most importantly, you should set an example for your child by brushing your teeth regularly and if you have a fear of the dentist, do not reflect it and overcome it yourself. Remember, children pay attention to what you do, not what you say.
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