Do you dread the dentist chair? It’s not uncommon to hear people say that they hate going to the dentist. Most adults go to the extent of neglecting their dental hygiene and symptoms for the sake of not going to a dentist. This unexplained and irrational phobia has led to many worsened dental conditions and thereby resulting in extended hours on the dentist chair.
In most cases, these fears of dentist consultation and hate towards reaching out to a dentist are rooted deep into the childhood of an individual. Painful childhood memories from the first time at a dentist often form negative and fearful impressions inside a person’s mind.
Getting a cavity filled, their teeth or gums poked with a needle, a painful extraction of a bad tooth might lead to a person hating their experience with dentists. During our times, the loud machines which made scary noises while we stared at a masked person’s face always did the trick– they scared us.
Though dental health is usually not cared much for, it has many chances of worsening your overall health or causing other unexpected complications.
Poor dental health leads to cardiovascular diseases as well. Yes, there have been instances where the inflammation of the gums has led the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause cardiovascular complications.
Now, a straight question to you, the reader— do you as a parent want your children to fear the dentist while they grow up? If they do, then it has a wide range of downsides which are going to hurt their health as time passes on.
How do we tackle this issue? How do you help your child in getting accustomed to the dentist? You do so by taking them to dental consultations as early as possible.
Right from their childhood, say two years onwards, you must take them to a good and a well-reputed dentist specializing in children’s dental care. Pediatric Dentists clean your children’s teeth and help in two unique ways.
One, they clean their teeth right from the childhood and prevent any gum or teeth related diseases well in advance. Two, they help in preventing any irrational fear the child might develop towards dental care and dental consultations.
So here’s a guide to finding the right doctor and getting your child accustomed to Dental visits.
As previously mentioned, look for doctors who primarily specialize in pediatric dentistry or are well-reputed family dentists. The reason for picking a family or a pediatric dentist is that these offices usually have a laid back and a friendly environment as opposed to regular dental clinics.
Now, talk to the dentist’s office. Mention that you have a small child who might be fearful of dentist consultations and needs to be accustomed first. Go to a dentist only if you have the assurance that this dentist will be patient and will deal with your child without being hasty as such behavior scares children.
Also, the environment has a huge share when it comes to easing your child’s fear. As said above, a family or children’s dental clinic has colorful rooms with books and toys. These give children a friendly and a relaxed feeling.
Observe the patient and doctor relationship. Is the doctor making an effort to connect consciously and bond with your child? Are the staff delicate and supportive while handling the child in the dentist’s chair? All these small things matter.
A thoughtful approach to your child’s dental health right from the childhood ensures that he or she has a healthy life. Getting your children accustomed to dental procedures and regular checkups results in a pristine dental health.
Kidzania Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers high quality dental and orthodontic care for children and families in Aubrey, Little Elm, Prosper, Frisco, Celina and Denton, Texas.