How To Get Your Toddler Comfortable With Going To The Dentist
by Christy Long
Some small children are incredibly afraid of strangers. Adults can seem larger than life when you're so much closer to the floor than they are. If you combine this rather natural fear with new surroundings that are full of looming chairs, weird tools and bright lights and it's easy to see why a toddler might be scared of the dentist. When you're trying to get your little one comfortable with the idea of going to the dentist, the following tips can help you get there.
Online Videos Can Be Extremely Educational
Before you take your toddler to the dentist, you can use the Internet to take them on a virtual visit. The World Wide Web is chock full of amazingly vivid videos that you can use to illuminate just what your child will experience when they go to the dentist.
Go to your favorite video-hosting platform and search for a video that features a child who your toddler will be able to relate to. A child that is similar in age is a good choice because it will then be much easier for your toddler to put themselves in the same shoes. Try to find a video that illustrates the entire dental experience from start to finish. Be sure to watch the clip before showing it to your child so you'll be able to see if there are any tears during the visit or if the child is all smiles once they leave the dental chair. You want to select a video that has a happy ending so that your toddler will become excited about the prospect of going to the dentist.
Have A Few Treats Available As a Reward
After you've reviewed the video with your toddler and immediately following their first dental visit a treat should be in order. Rewarding your toddler for their bravery not only helps them feel proud of themselves, but it is also a form of positive reinforcement. If there was a little hesitation before the initial appointment, you should find that your toddler is much more willing to go to their next dental appointment if they can look forward to getting a delicious treat after it's over.
Make it fun for your child to see the dentist, and they just might start pulling your hand in anticipation each time they see the dentist's office. Paying regular visits to your family dentistry office means that your child is on the fast track to developing a healthy life-long habit.
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About Me
I was very unhappy with the way that my front teeth looked. They were crooked and stained with an ugly yellow tint. I asked my dentist if there was anything that could be done to improve them. After discussing the options with my dentist, I decided to have crowns put on my front teeth. The procedure was painless and I wish that I had done it sooner. My name is Constance Graham and I am writing this blog to inform others about cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, speak to your dentist about improving your smile. There are various cosmetic procedures that you can have done such as veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and dental implants. I hope you use the information in this blog to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you.