How to Get Your Kids to Love the Dentist
There is no doubt about it, kids are a handful. They can become even more of a handful when you have to take them to visit the dentist. So how do you get them to love someplace that is always dreaded? Below you’ll find a few tips to help kids love and feel more comfortable at the dentist.
Read to Them About Going to the Dentist
Reading to your kids about going to the dentist is a great start to introducing them to the dental world. We all know reading to kids is important, and believe it or not there are a lot of books out there about teeth and going to the dentist.
Find Some Fun Games or Toys
Children love to explore the world, so make it easy for them to explore the dental world with some fun toys or experiences. You can ask your dentist to give your child a tour of the office and provide some educational talks to help them experience the place in a less threatening way. You can also find some great toys that will give your kids the opportunity to act like a dentist and you the chance to explain a little bit more about what happens at the dentist’s office.
Avoid Telling Them About Bad Experiences
Kids see, hear and absorb more than we think, which means we have to be careful with what we say and do around them. This may be hard, especially if you yourself don’t care for the dentist, but avoid saying anything bad or telling them any bad experiences you’ve had at the dentist. To prevent them from mimicking a bad attitude be sure to stay positive about the dentist.
Find a Kid Friendly Atmosphere
The place and the people can make or break a dental visit. Find a dentist office with a kid-friendly atmosphere and approachable people that will make your child feel welcomed. An office with fun pictures, toys in the lobby, and talkative assistants will be much more likeable to your child than one with old magazines, grey walls and disapproving assistants.
With your kids excited, or at least not fearful of the dentist anymore, it’s time to take them in for a visit. Remember to have fun, enjoy it and keep them smiling.