1. NO Negative Comments:
If you absolutely hate the dentist and have been traumatized for life, now is not the time to start blabbing detailed stories to your kids. Sometimes parents can do more damage than the dentist ever could!
Make sure to avoid sentences like these:
- “If you don’t behave the dentist will give you a shot”
- “The hygienist will poke your gums if you make her mad.”
- “Brush your teeth or I’ll tell the dentist to pull them out.”
- “The dentist enjoys torturing people for fun.”
There are too many great dentists and hygienists out there to be stuck with someone you don’t love! Take the time to find someone you and your kids will feel comfortable with.
3. Make the First Visit a Happy One:
The dental hygienist will be more than happy to give your child a ride in the chair and take a peak in their mouth. Often times they’ll let them see and touch all the fun dental gadgets we use too. If not… let me refer you back to #2!
Another way to create a happy visit is to bring your child with you to one of your appointments. This is a great way to introduce them to what the dentist is all about!
Another way to create a happy visit is to bring your child with you to one of your appointments. This is a great way to introduce them to what the dentist is all about!
4. Attend a Dental Presentation:
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This often includes dental health presentations at schools and around the community. Find one to attend, or even get a group together and ask your dental office if they will do one for you. This is a great way to introduce kids to the dentist without them feeling pressured or worrying about getting work done.
5. Dental Themed Activities:
This is a great way to get kids excited about the dentist and learn about oral hygiene at the same time!
Here are a couple activities you can try with everyday items found around the house:
Supplies:
- Large Lego block
- Play Dough
- Yarn
- Pack the Play Dough in between the pegs of a large Lego block and have your child wiggle the yarn in a "C" shaped motion in between the pegs until the Play Dough is gone.
- This provides an easy visual for kids to learn how to floss before they try it in their own mouths.
Supplies:
- 3 hard-boiled eggs
- Water
- Coke
- Vinegar
- Take the eggs and put them each in separate glasses filled with water, coke, & vinegar and then check them in a few days. Compare each egg to the one that was in the water and you will see how the outer shell of the egg is like the enamel of our teeth. The longer the egg (or teeth) is exposed to sugar, or acidic substances, it starts to eat it away. It will cause pitting and softening of the egg shell, similar to what happens to the enamel of our teeth after being exposed to similar acidic substances.
- This will show your child the importance of brushing their teeth and having the dentist check for "sugar bugs."
6. Books and Videos:
There are tons of great dental books and videos out there. Here are a couple examples:
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7. Don't Scar Them For Life:
If they scream bloody murder when you take them to the dentist maybe wait a few months before bringing them in again. As long as they’re not in pain or having serious dental issues, wait until they can at least sit in the chair and open their mouth by themselves. Forcing them to sit and pry open their mouth just leaves them hating us and probably you too. The more positive experiences they have, the better and easier it gets.
