How to Make Dental Trips Fun for Kids in Edmonton
Most children dread the thought of visiting a dentist. As a parent, it can also be stressful to witness your child dealing with that anxious experience. However, dental trips should not be anxiety-ridden; there are tricks on how to make dental trips fun for kids in Edmonton.
How to Make Dental Trips Fun for Kids in Edmonton
These are some of the strategies that make kids more comfortable in a dentist’s office and make the experience more fun for them.
1. Sit on Mom’s (or Dad’s) Lap or “Rides”
The dental chairs in a pediatric dentistry clinic are designed to look like fun “rides” for kids to try. These dental chairs will capture the kids’ attention so they don’t fear the idea of sitting on them. Another alternative to making the experience fun for kids is to sit on either parent’s lap. Knowing that their parent is physically close to them will make them feel more comfortable and less stressed about the dental experience.
2. Give Out Prizes and Rewards
Using positive reinforcement by giving out prizes and rewards can give your child added motivation to stay engaged during their dental visit. It also reminds them that what they have just done is a good thing, which will encourage that same behavior in future visits to the dentist. Plus, it gives them something to look forward to at the end of each visit.
3. Positive Role Play
Role-playing is a great technique to use to help your child form positive associations with a visit to the dentist. You can even start this game at home, wherein you (the parent) pretend to be the dentist and your child is the patient.
The goal of role-playing is to make your child familiar with the situation. The more familiar they are, the less likely they are going to be afraid or hesitant to participate at the dentist’s office.
4. Accompany Them With Their Favorite Toys
Aside from your presence as a parent, you can let your child take their favorite toys with them. Again, the familiarity of these objects will give them inner comfort and also helps to shift the focus away from their anxiety about meeting with the dentist.
Pediatric dentist clinics also have toys that your child can play with. Make sure to let them pick a toy they want and let them play with it throughout their dental session.
5. Explain it to Them
Make sure to explain to your child why they have to visit the dentist and what they can expect. Focus on the benefits of visiting the dentist, especially focusing on what could happen if they don’t. For example, let them know that they could suffer from tooth pain if they don’t get their teeth cleaned and looked after by a dentist. You should create a sense of urgency.
Choose a Dental Practice Specializing in Pediatric Dentistry in Edmonton
Dentists who specialize in pediatric dentistry in Edmonton have the training and techniques to deal with younger patients. They also know the type of vocabulary to use to build rapport with children, enabling them to earn children’s trust.
Dental practices for pediatric patients also tend to be more attractive with lots of toys and bright colors. Therefore, it is easy for a child to become comfortable in this space and find the experience less stressful.