Three Things You Can Do To Keep Your Child Calm At The Dentist
Posted on: 13 December 2017
Visiting the dentist can be stressful for any child, but there are things you can do to keep his or her mind off of what's happening, Here are just a few strategies you can do to keep your little one calm during routine dental exams or dental work.
Stay Cool In Shades
Some children love to play dress up, and you can play on this love by having your little one wear sunglasses to the dentist. Not only does this add a bit of fun to the visit, but it also helps to soften the bright lights your child will see while in the dentist's chair. Pick out a cool pair of shades at your local dollar or drug store, and add to this dress-up idea by adding a superhero cape, feather boa, or another accessory that completes a low-key costume. Your child will get excited for the opportunity to play dress up in public, and he or she might even look forward to talking about the costume with the dentist.
Rock Out To Catchy Tunes
Whether your child loves nursery rhymes or kid-friendly covers of popular songs, a pair of headphones along with an MP4 player or tablet can give you a convenient way to bring a favorite playlist along to the dentist. Pick out several songs together, and have your child name the playlist made just for the dentist's office. Some cute playlist names might include "Mega Molar Music" or "Tooth Time Tunes." Be sure to have your child share the name you pick out when you arrive at the dentist's office. The dentist might even want to join in with a few ideas of his or her own that can be used for the next checkup.
Get A Handle On Stress
Stress balls aren't just for adults. In fact, they can offer a great distraction for little ones as well. Give your child a stress ball to hold during the exam, and have him or her squeeze whenever there is discomfort or stress. You can even make the stress ball a crafting project before the appointment by having your child color a face or design on it. If you are crafty, consider making stress balls from scratch using materials found at your local craft store. Of course, in lieu of a stress ball, a small stuffed animal can always be used as a comfort and distraction tool.
Talk to your dentist about other strategies you can use to keep your child calm and preoccupied during visits. Making each trip a positive experience can help your little one to form a positive association with visiting the dentist. To learn more, contact a dentist office like Little Peoples Dentistry.
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