Many children have a fear of the dentist, and many of the adults in their lives might, too. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have dental cavities, and 27% have untreated tooth decay. Knowing this, it's critical that you instill good dental hygiene habits in your children and dispel any fears as early as possible. This can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and prevent them from suffering serious ailments in adulthood. It can be a tricky endeavor, but these tips may help ease the process for everyone involved.
Start the Conversation Early
You should be talking to your child about the importance of oral hygiene regularly. As soon as your child is old enough to brush their own teeth, tell them about the significance of these habits. Knowing the types of tooth decay they can easily avoid may motivate them to make their habits consistent throughout their life. If a child has a general understanding of the importance of dental hygiene, they may also feel more comfortable at the
dentists office
since they could receive more positive feedback than negative.
Schedule a Meet and Greet
It's very helpful to schedule an initial meeting with your pediatric dentist before the actual appointment. This will familiarize your child with the dentist, the dentists office, and the equipment they will be using. This can ease your child's anxiety and make them feel more comfortable when it's time for their actual appointment. We are always happy to set up a meeting like this at Medical Center Dental. We want everyone, especially our youngest patients, to feel as calm as possible!
Practice at Home
Before you step foot in the actual dentists office, you can set aside time to show your child pictures and explain what each piece of equipment's job is. This can acquaint your child with parts of the process that could appear during their own appointment and help them feel more prepared.
We strive to empower every patient of every age to take charge of their oral health. For more information or to get started with our services, call Medical Center Dental today.
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