Dental Tips For Parents From West Bay Dental
Helping your child feel at ease about their dentist appointment
October 19, 2007
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By: Ken Nelson, DDS, Dentistry
From the time they are toddlers, parents should brush and floss with their children
Having a hard time convincing your child not to be afraid of a dentist appointment. Below are seven Dental Tips for Parents:
Be positive and honest. When talking to your child about the dentist, use positive words. Don't say, "It won't hurt." Kids probably won't think of pain unless the issue of pain is discussed.
Don't transfer your fears about the dentist to your children. Too often adults who fear the dentist will tell horror stories about their own experiences. If you are afraid of the dentist, try not to share your fears with your children. A child who goes to the dentist without any preconceived notions is more likely to have a good experience.
Make a game of brushing. Find ways to make brushing fun for your children. For example, play your child's favorite song while brushing. He/She should continue to brush until the song is over. Games help children to associate positive feelings with brushing, as well as teach children to brush their teeth for the appropriate length of time, which is at least two minutes.
Set a good example. From the time they are toddlers, parents should brush and floss with their children. Kids often imitate the good (and bad) habits of their parents. Keep in mind that children don't inherit bad teeth, they inherit bad habits.
Never threaten children with dental procedures. If you are having a hard time getting your kids to brush their teeth, don't threaten them with frightening dental procedures such as having a tooth pulled. Instead, teach your children why oral health is an important part of overall physical health.
Bring kids to the dentist at an early age. The earlier you bring kids to the dentist, the more they will feel comfortable there. For the first visit let them watch your or an older sibling having their teeth cleaned. This allows the child to see the process and understand that it's not a painful experience.
Let the dentist do the talking. Dentists are skilled at making children feel comfortable and explaining good oral health to kids in a way the child can understand. A parent who is allowed into a dental operatory should do so as a silent observer.
Or Contact Dr. Ken Nelson at:
800 S. Euclid Ave, Bay City, MI 48706
(989) 686-5410
Ken Nelson, DDS, Dentistry
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Dr. Nelson has served patients at West Bay Dental since 1985. Dr. Nelson provides most dental services with an emphasis on cosmetics, full mouth reconstruction, oral surgery and implants.
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