In addition to your child’s oral hygiene habits at home, they also need to see their pediatric dentist in Northampton twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. While many kids enjoy visiting their dentist, others can fear their upcoming appointment. Dental fears and anxieties are common for children. They can worry about a painful treatment, dislike like the sounds or smells of the office, or they just do not want to be there. This can make routine appointments very difficult. Thankfully, there are several things your dental team can do to make your child feel at ease.
1. Early Dental Care
To help your child build a trusted relationship with their dentist, it is best to begin their routine dental appointments before their 1st birthday. With early dental care, your child will become accustomed to seeing their dentist and undergoing a regular examination. They will learn from a young age that there is nothing to fear during their appointments.
2. Friendly Staff
Choose a dental team that has experience with young children to cater to their unique needs. With a friendly and welcoming staff, your child will feel the relaxed environment from the moment they walk through the doors. This will help to calm their nerves for a stress-free visit.
3. Communication
Often, children are fearful at the dentist because they are not sure what to expect. The fear of the unknown can cause their emotions to take hold, making it difficult to perform a cleaning and checkup. To help them understand what is going on, communication is vital. Your dentist will explain to your child what is about to happen and why it is needed.
4. Relaxation Techniques
When your child is anxious, there are several relaxation techniques that your dentist can use to help them relax, such as controlled breathing. This involves inhaling and exhaling slowly to help calm them while lowering their heart rate. It allows them to focus on their breathing instead of on their dentist.
5. Sedation
In some cases, your child may benefit from sedation, such as during an invasive treatment. There are various forms that can be used to help your child relax, such as nitrous oxide. This inhaled sedative is a safe option to help your child overcome their anxieties while benefiting from a pain-free visit.
Enjoy a Comfortable Visit
To help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, it is best to choose a dentist who strives to provide fear-free appointments. With the right dental team, your child will enjoy visiting their dentist to make appointments easy.
About Northampton Pediatric Dentistry PC
Northampton Pediatric Dentistry PC is committed to fostering the health of young smiles. Our caring dental team understands the unique needs of children to cater to their comfort to ensure a stress-free appointment. We take the time to get to know your child to provide individualized solutions to help them relax while in our office. If you need a dentist who focuses on your child’s comfort, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
