HOW TO MAKE YOUR KID LOVE THE DENTIST’S OFFICE

The dentist’s office can be a nightmare to any kid out there. It’s no surprise when they’re in a new environment and are surrounded by strangers holding sharp surgical objects. As a parent, it can be difficult to get your child accustomed to these visits, especially in their early years when extra care is needed for their oral health. So as a concerned parent, what can you do? Well, there’s no secret formula behind convincing them to love the dentist, and that’s even a challenge for adults alike. But here are a few tips that will definitely get them feeling cozier and relaxed.

1. Take them early

Before they even know their ABCs, make sure they identify the dentist as a friend, not a threat. Tender years are the key to unlocking and releasing a child’s inner fears. So when the child frequents as early as possible, they begin to relate better with a given environment. Pretty soon, after they utter the sweet words of ‘papa’ and ‘mama’, you just might hear them asking you, “dentist” (wishful thinking, maybe).

2. Keep it fun and role play

Every child out there loves to have fun and feel entertained when they are out and about. So why not role play with your child before going for the visit? You can do this by playing the dentist and letting your child be the ‘kid’. Make it fun by laughing with them, smiling and tickling them, and talking freely, as if they were at home. This will give them the idea that it’s all fun and play when they’re heading there. So all in all, they’ll think it’s quite a cool place.

3. Bribery is strictly a ‘no-go’ zone

Bribing your kid can carry double standards. Does it make sense to your kid when you tell them sweets are bad only to later give it to them as a bribe to behave at the dentist? They may be young, but even they will see clearly through this. Don’t try to cure their sweet tooth by giving them a sore one—eventually, every time they go to the dentist, they’ll be expecting goodies in return. Instead, why not encourage them afterwards for their bravery during the checkup. Cheer them on, clap for them, smother and hug them with affection. But don’t give them sweets.

So the next time you take your child to an oral professional, make sure you’ve oriented them freely with the above tips. This way, your child will learn to relate it as a mandatory yet awesome experience in their lives.