Often, parents take their child's visit to the dentist as a common fact. They believe that there is no need for preliminary preparation.
Little patients, as a rule, do not feel a sense of fear of the doctor. They are afraid of the manipulation of the dentist during the examination and treatment.
Children are afraid of everything unknown. They do not understand what lies ahead, whether it will hurt, who will provide them with protection.
The doctor's office is a completely new place, in which many unknowns are hidden. And if it’s new, then it’s probably dangerous.
How can you help your child not to be afraid of the dentist from an early age?
From an early age, it is necessary to instill in the child the care of his teeth. He must observe oral hygiene and visit the dentist in a timely manner.
With the onset of the age of three, the child increasingly declares - I myself, thus speaking about my independence. Take advantage of this moment. Offer him a game: let him brush the teeth of his favorite toy, then to his mother, and then to himself. When the baby is ripe for role-playing games, try playing with him at the dentist: you can count the teeth in your mouth, touching them with a small spoon, examine his teeth with the child in a hand mirror, shine a small flashlight on him.
Such games will allow the child to perceive various manipulations in the mouth absolutely without fear, he will become more adequate to what is happening, and he will no longer be afraid of the unknown awaiting in the dentist's office.
And what to do if a child has a toothache or gum pain and is very afraid to go to the doctor? Be creative with the future procedure and try to play a doctor and an unhappy patient with your child at home in advance, so that the coward stops worrying.
Fear can be easily overcome only through children's curiosity: a good children's dentist will always be able to interest the baby - he will show his tools, allow the child to play with them, and choose the color he likes for the filling himself. And of course, he will be able to convey to the child that he must definitely come here again and bring the treatment to the end.
Here are some tips to help your little one feel less afraid of going to the dentist:
- Do not frighten the child that if he refuses to brush his teeth, then it will end with the need for a visit to the dentist.
- You cannot start talking with a child about how painful it is to treat teeth.
- It is important that the road to dentistry is not too tiring. Choose a healthcare facility close to home.
- Do not rush to cure several teeth at one time: the child will not sit for a long time in the chair and will start to be capricious from fatigue.
- Be sure to support your child morally. Say that you will be with him in the doctor's office and will help if necessary.
- Opt for a good children's specialized clinic. It is best to choose a dentist based on a recommendation.
