Dental fear often starts out in childhood. While we understand there are kids who fear dental appointments, we also know there are ways to make them feel better. At Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA in Miami Beach and N. Miami Beach, FL, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable in our dental chairs. Read on for tips on how to make kids feel more at ease for their dental appointments.
Kids feel more comfortable when they are familiar with something. This means the earlier you start bringing your child to the dentist, the more familiar they will be with the process. Kids should start seeing the dentist when their first tooth starts growing in, or by the age of one if that hasn’t happened yet. If your schedule permits, bring them with you when you are having a cleaning. That way they will have seen the office and met some of the staff before their first appointment.
For young kids who have never been to the dentist before or who do not remember going, you can play “pretend dentist” with them at home. Have them lean back in a recliner chair or a couch. Have them open wide and “examine” their teeth by counting each one. You can even take a dry toothbrush and “clean” each one of their teeth. Showing them what will happen at the dental office will help them feel more at ease.
In addition to familiarity, kids do better when they know reasoning. Explain to them why they need to see the dentist. Educational videos and tools may help with this.
Kids’ teeth are just as important as adult teeth. To schedule your family’s next appointment with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
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