Dr. Brainard G. Llanes, Roselle dentist, shares exclusive advice on how parents can prepare children for dental appointments.
Many parents feel stressed about taking their young children to the dentist. The whirring drills, the sharp tools: this environment does not sound like a fun trip to the little ones. With several years of experience caring for children’s dental health, Dr. Llanes has listened to and answered many parents’ concerns regarding their children. To help parents, Dr. Llanes, Roselle dentist, is sharing an exclusive list of tips to make dental visits pleasant for the entire family.
How Parents Can Prepare Children for a Dental Appointment
1. Use child-friendly dental language – Dr. Llanes suggests being honest with children about dental procedures and tools, but using non-intimidating dental phrases. Instead of using terms such as “plaque” and “sealant,” it is recommended that parents use fun words like “sugar bugs” and “tooth paint.” Letting children joke around about how the yucky stuff will be washed out and teeth will be happy and healthy can help conquer their anxiety. Also, parents should avoid discussing dental fears or phobias around children; they shouldn’t think there is anything to be afraid of before their visit.
2. Show kids pictures of other children at the dentist – Studies have shown that young children relate better to pictures than to words. It is advised that parents show them a flyer from a child-friendly dental office or go online to find these images. Once children see pictures of other children smiling in a dental office, they will understand that going to the dentist can be a fun experience.
3. Ask the dentist to take the kids on an office tour – Before Dr. Llanes schedules an appointment with a new young patient, he invites both child and parents to look around his practice. An office tour familiarizes kids with dental tools and equipment and gives them a chance to ask questions. It also allows the child time to bond with the dentist before his or her first appointment. Kids will be able to see that there is nothing to be afraid of. Most child-friendly dental offices have a toy box, and children are welcome to play in the waiting room.
4. Make it a learning experience – The American Dental Association website has a special web page (http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx) where parents can print out educational activities for children, such as tooth anatomy charts, coloring pages, and crossword puzzles. Additionally, parents can demonstrate how to brush and floss in front of their children. Children look up to parents as a role model, so it is important that parents set a positive example of dental hygiene in front of them.
5. Role play with them so they know what to expect – Role playing a trip to the dentist works especially well with younger children. Parents can use a reclining chair as the dental chair and substitute cotton swabs for dental picks. For children who are especially anxious, Dr. Llanes recommends playfully running through a “pretend dental exam” in a familiar environment to prepare the child for his or her dental appointment.
Dr. Llanes, Roselle dentist, offers a variety of kid-friendly and adult dental treatments at Modern Essence Dentistry. To learn more about this Roselle dental practice, visit the Modern Essence Dentistry website at http://www.modernessencedentistry.com.
About Modern Essence Dentistry:
Modern Essence Dentistry provides teeth whitening, dental implants, dental veneers, root canal therapy, bridges, dentures and child-friendly dental procedures in addition to cleanings, exams and fillings. In order to establish a comfortable dental environment, Modern Essence Dentistry offers patients waiting room amenities, such as cable television, personal handheld radios with headphones, blankets and complimentary beverages. The Modern Essence Dentistry staff is experienced with treating patients of all ages, and they welcome families to visit the office.
Modern Essence Dentistry is conveniently located by Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, and Medinah, IL and is located in Roselle Towne Square near Subway and Strike X Bowling Alley.