Ugh, this
week I’m due to visit my dentist. How
many of us look forward to visiting a dentist?
. Visiting a dentist can be a stressful event for children as well as
adults.
As I try to
think about my childhood visits, I can’t recall what it was that triggers a
negative feeling about the visit. I know
I should go if I want to keep my teeth and gums healthy, but why do I dread
going and feel nervous each time I’m scheduled to go…
Now that I
have children, and I know I have to take them to the dentist, knowing that they
might feel the same way as I, I asked a few dentists what they would say to
parents of children as they make that important visit, what tips they’d give to
recommend an easier, smoother transition to the visit: This is what they said:
·
Visiting
a dentist helps support healthy teeth
·
Prepare
your child for the visit – letting him/her know and what to expect. Give simple information; often parents send
their own messages of anxiety to children – avoid doing this.
·
Tell
your child that doctors/dentists are our hero’s – they help us with keeping our
teeth healthy.
To
support healthy teeth:
1.
Diet.
Milk and juice should be
given at mealtime only. Avoid giving milk at nighttime or bedtime, which is
often the case. Serve nutritional food:
fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurts, cheese etc, rather than processed food from a
box.
2.
Vertical
transmission of cavity-causing bacteria.
Children are born without
these bacteria. Word of caution to
parents: Do not blow on your child’s
food to cool it; your breath may contain small droplets of saliva, which may
contain these bacteria. Refrain from sampling your child’s food. Do not place
your child’s pacifier in your mouth to clean it. Rinse it off with water before
giving it back to your child.
3.
Regular dental check up and cleaning
every 6 months.
It is easier to prevent the disease or take care of the problem
right away, rather than try to treat an advanced dental problem.
4.
Childhood
caries is an infectious disease.
Childhood caries must be
treated as soon as possible, even if it affects baby teeth and not permanent
teeth.
5.
Establish
daily brushing and flossing routine.
Flossing
maybe hard for young children, floss aid tools can help.
Prepare your child for
the visit:
1.
Be
honest with your child and let him know about the visit in advance. Inform
your child what to anticipate without getting too detailed: “The dentist
will count, check and clean
your teeth.” These are
examples of getting too detailed: “Dentist will use
picks, tools and drills to check your teeth", can cause apprehension.
You might want to check out a book
about going to the dentist from the library or create your own simple story
with simple illustrations, to tell your child what to expect. There
are many good children's books on dental visits such as Bernstein Bear story
books.
2. Avoid phrases such as: “It’s not going
to hurt” or “Don’t be scared” or “you will be ok” or “The shot will be very
fast, you won’t even feel it.” Phrases like that come from our personal fears. We are trying to convince and calm down ourselves
that everything is ok. Children are easily influenced when we are anxious and
scared. You want to build trust by being truthful and empathetic.
3.
Do
not threaten your child with a visit to the dentist: “If you eat too much candy we will have to go
to the dentist” this will cause a negative cause and effect situation.
1. Narrate his actions – often dentists who see children have this as part of their routine, to tell the child what to expect. Talk slowly about the procedure: “I need you to open your mouth to see your teeth.” “I am going to put this mirror inside; it will be a little bit cold.”
2. Let
the child know how long it will take. Show the time passing with a clock.
Most children are apprehensive of
their dental visit and the key is to manage it. Length and
procedure should match the child's level of acceptance (age appropriate
expectations).
3. Do not distract a child with TV, during the process. I know it’s so tempting to do so. It’s important for your child to process what is happening to his body.
4. There are many techniques and personality styles that go into play when dealing with a child. In general, children need to be treated like adults, and adults need to be treated like children: Children need respect, and adults need to be pampered.
Some of the medical advice was shared
by by Dr. Trent Kanemaki
and by Hom Edward K DDS
Yours in parenting,
Teacher Kira at Our Parenting Place
Our Parenting Place is a program nurturing children, parents and
teachers. It was established in 2011 and
serves families in the San Gabriel Valley.
We offer RIE Certified Parent-Infant Guidance®
classes for
children and their parents 0-3 as well as hands-on classes for children 4 and
above. Take a look at our website for
more program information: www.ourparentingplace.com
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