Guest Blogger, Kara Masterson
Many children are scared of the dentist. It is a common issue that you should try to help your kid overcome. The following are four tips that might help you and your children.
Starts with You
One of the first things you have to remember is that dental anxiety affects more than just kids. Children are really good at picking up any anxiety coming from parents, so it is vital that you deal with your own anxiety first. You can talk to your dentist beforehand, or have your child visit the dentist with a family member who does not fear the dentist to avoid passing on this fear to your kid.
A Peaceful Scent
Some people may not love the scent of lavender, but it could work wonders for your child. It seems that the natural scent of lavender induces a relaxing feeling within the mind. This has been shown to be powerful enough to reduce some of the symptoms associated with dental anxiety. You can make your own lavender fragrance using an essential oil, or purchase one through an online vendor. Make sure that it is natural lavender to ensure these effects.
Meet and Greet
Next thing you want to try is to have your child meet your dentist ahead of time. Talk to your dentist beforehand to make sure that he or she is aware of your child’s anxiety. A dentist like A-Dental Center or someone similar will likely go over some of the procedures and help your child become familiar with the dentist’s office. One of the reasons some children feel anxious is because they are in unfamiliar territory, which is why this type of meeting is helpful at times.
Bring a Distraction
Sometimes, the best way to deal with the particular problem is to bring a distraction, or find a way to help your child distract him or herself during the visit. You can do this by bringing your child’s favorite toy along or giving your kid a smart device to entertain him or herself. You can also try to train your child to imagine a happy place, which should help him or her deal with scary things a little better.
Hopefully, some of these tips help your kid overcome his or her fear. Keep in mind that fears are not always cured but rather dealt with, so do not expect miracles. Make sure to work with your dentist because he or she will likely know a thing or two about dental anxiety.
