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Dental Health Tips for Reluctant Children

Children can be reluctant to getting dental care either at home or from a children’s dentist if the process seems scary or unfamiliar to them.

For a child who is dragging his heels about going to see the children’s dentist, these strategies may be helpful.

  • Schedule a meet-and-greet with the children’s dentist: Much of the fear around dental care is due to anxiety about the unknown. If your child has the opportunity to meet the dentist in a relaxed setting, the dentist can begin to build a trusting relationship with the child. That relationship can give the child reassurance when interventions are performed in the future.
  • Set expectations in advance of the appointment: The element of surprise can exacerbate fear, but if your child has a good idea of what’s going to happen at the appointment, you can prevent that outcome.
  • Be a good role model: If you exhibit a fear of going to the dentist, your child will pick up on it. Keep to a six-month schedule of exams and cleanings for yourself to show your child that going to the dentist is a routine affair that is important for maintaining your oral health.

In addition to balking at dental appointments, your child may be resistant to good home oral hygiene habits, too.

  • Involve your child in as much decision-making as possible: Even relatively young children can do things like choose the flavor of their toothpaste or the color of their toothbrush.
  • Let the child perform age-appropriate dental hygiene tasks on his or her own: Your child will be more agreeable to an oral hygiene regimen when he or she  Ask the dentist about the age-appropriate oral hygiene tasks for your child.
  • Use dental tools designed to meet the unique needs of children: Your child could have difficulty working with an adult-sized toothbrush, which could feed into resistance to brushing. Be sure that your child can grip the brush comfortably and easily.

We can help you and your child overcome any dental fear or hesitation that is keeping your child from obtaining quality dental care. Contact our office to speak to a member of our experienced staff at Dental Depot to discuss your specific problem in greater detail.

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