How Do I Comfort My Child at the Dental Clinic? 

Visiting the dental clinic can be a scary thought and experience to children. As a result, parents find it hard to take their children to the dentist (children will do all sorts of things and make excuses to avoid or delay it). 

However, it’s critical for children to see the dentist when their first tooth has become visible or when they’re a year old. This is so that the dentist can help children with their proper oral development and correct any bad oral habits. Dental visits also help children become comfortable with dentists at an early age, which can help kids for the rest of their lives (seeking help from the dentist instead of ignoring the signs of oral problems). 

Comforting children while they’re at the dental clinic 

To keep your child comfortable at the dental clinic and be more willing to see the dentist, it helps to do the following: 

• Before the appointment, talk to your child about what to expect at the dentist’s office. Explain the purpose of the visit and assure them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy. 
• Avoid using words like “pain,” “shot,” or “hurt” when talking about the dental appointment. Instead, use positive language that emphasizes the benefits of taking care of their teeth. 
• Play pretend with your child by taking turns pretending to be the dentist and patient. Use a toothbrush to count each other’s teeth and talk about how clean and healthy they are. This will help them become familiar with what happens inside a dental clinic. 
• Encourage your child to bring a favourite stuffed animal or blanket to hold during the appointment. This can help them feel more secure and comfortable. 
• Stay calm because children often pick up on their parent’s emotions. Always use a reassuring tone of voice and let your child know that you’re always there for them. 
• Consider offering a small reward after the appointment, such as a sticker or small toy. This can help reinforce positive behaviour and make future dental visits less intimidating. 

In addition, it helps if the professional specialises in children’s dentistry. That’s because they know the best approach in keeping children calm before, during and after a procedure. They also know how to make the experience positive (which can help children feel comfortable and even look forward to the next visits). 

For example, here at Specialist Kids Dentist, we know the best approach in making children feel comfortable while they’re in our clinic. We keep them calm and we make each visit a fun and positive experience for them. With our fun and friendly approach, children can forget about the pain and fear and even help them eager to come back.