Recently this was posted on our facebook page by one of our younger patients and I wanted to help all the Mom’s and Dad’s help your child to have a great appointment so they can say It’s Dentist Day when you bring them in.
With your help dental visits can be positive and fun. Our staff will spend a lot of time with your kids to help them feel comfortable. You can help us make their next visit a successful one by working with us to accomplish this goal!
Here’s what we suggest:
1. Use only positive words when answering your kids questions. Soft, easy, fun and play are good words to use.
2. Avoid using words like pain, hurt, needle or shot. These words make kids (and many adults) scared and anxious. Most of the time we have good words to help them understand.
3. After the treatment is completed you can help continue the positive experience by praising your child and referring to the fun time they had.
4. Don’t ask negative questions like: Did it hurt? Were you scared? Did you get a shot? These comments could make your child think that there was a reason to be afraid even though they were cooperative and had a good time. It might make them afraid of future visits.
5. If your child receives any kind of anesthesia assure them that their tickly or sleepy tongue will go away in no time. Most kids don’t mind the numbness and some even think it’s fun- that is a good thing.