Is your child afraid of going to the dentist? Are you worried that your child’s dental anxiety will take a toll on them?
Fret not! We have some simple solutions to help your child feel more comfortable at a dental clinic!
Why Your Child May Need a Tooth Extraction
Your child may need a tooth extraction for several reasons, and wisdom teeth may not be the only reason. Getting knocked in the mouth or getting hit by a ball may severely damage your child’s tooth. So, you may want to visit your dentist to get your child’s teeth examined.
How to Prepare Your Child For a Tooth Extraction
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Before the Dental Visit
We understand! Your child being afraid of going to the dentist is perfectly normal, but if he’s not, he’s emerged as a braveheart! If you need to get your child to lie in a chair in an unfamiliar room with unusual instruments and noises, he is going to panic.
This is where you start playing your role as a parent. Start with taking your children to the dentist’s website and get them familiar with what the clinic might look like. Allow your children to express themselves about their fears and answer their questions, making sure you do not reveal too much information.
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During the Dental Visit
Of course, as a parent you want your child to have a good dental experience. There are certain things you would be required to do to make your child feel comfortable.
You can go along with his favorite toy in your bag and surprise him with it when you’re at the clinic. This could be a helpful distraction. Seeing you remain calm would also help your little one muster some courage.
What Your Dentist Can Do To Handle the Tooth Extraction of Your Child
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Speak in a Kind Voice and Use Simple Words
A dentist will always speak in a kind voice and use simple words to explain procedures to children. This will put your child at ease.
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Positive Reinforcement
A dentist can help by using positive reinforcement to praise your child for his behavior and his bravery, which would mean the world to your child. This will also build trust and alleviate the phobia and anxiety in your child.
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Encourage Your Child in Conversation
A dentist encourages your child in conversation to help him/her rise above dental anxiety. Narrating a story or giving a mental math question to solve are ways to make your child feel more at ease and draws the attention away from the procedure.
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Sedation
There are times when nothing seems to work, and your dentist might sedate your child which is an effective and secure way to keep your child calm during a dental procedure. Your child will be able to respond to physical and verbal stimuli and may not even recollect the procedure.
How to Take Care of Your Child Post Extraction
The first thing you should probably do is to restrict your child from any activity that is exhausting at least for the first two hours. Give your child the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Besides the antibiotics, rinsing your child’s mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours of extracting the tooth will alleviate the pain.
Keep a check on your child’s gauze and if it is filled with blood, change it regularly. Feeding your child ice cream, smoothies, cool soups, scrambled eggs for the first few days of recovery will naturally reduce the swelling. Also, help your child in staying away from straws as the suction can lead to experiencing some pain.
What if Your Child has a Negative Experience at a Dentist’s Office
If your child has already had a negative experience at a dentist’s office, chances are, they may not want to end up at the same dentist’s office no matter how important the procedure is. However, that does not mean that you should completely avoid taking your child to the dentist.
Instead, consider a new dentist for your child. Remember, you want the best for your child and retaining a good dental experience will gradually alleviate your child’s dental anxiety.
You love to see your child’s smile. Because of that smile, you should want to protect it and make sure it’s as healthy and strong as possible. Learn five ways to protect your child’s teeth.
