"How to prepare children for their first filling"

> On Sunday, December 5, 2010, Alison
> Johnson from the Associated Press published an article on
> how to prepare children for their first filling at the
> dentist. It included some very good tips from dentists:
>
> 1. Answer any Questions your Child may have – give your
> child honest details like where she’ll sit, the noises
> she’ll hear (“the toothbrush sounds like a loud
> whistle”), and how her mouth will feel strange and
> “sleepy” for a while after you leave.
>
> 2. Emphasize the Positive – explain how lucky you are to
> have such a wonderful dentist who can fix her teeth, this
> isn’t the time to blame her for poor brushing or eating
> habits.
>
> 3. Use NONSCARY words – you don’t need to say
> “shot,” “needle,” or “hurt.” Use child-friendly
> words to explain the visit to the dentist. For example, the
> dentist will first use “sleepy juice” to make your tooth
> fall to sleep, then the dentist will “clean out the sugar
> bugs in your tooth,” and then the dentist will “paint
> your tooth to make it feel better.”
>
> 4. Give your Child some Control – If she wants to wear
> certain clothes or bring an item to comfort herself, like a
> stuffed animal, let her pick it out and bring it with her.
>
> 5. Stay Calm!!! – If your child sees that you are
> uncertain, scared, or not trusting of the dentist, then so
> will the child. Try not to show that you’re nervous in
> front of your child, especially in the dentist’s waiting
> room.
>
> 6. Plan Something Fun Afterward – Go to the park, a
> friend’s house, set a play date, or go to another favorite
> spot after your appointment. You can also take your child
> out for a special food treat once the numbness of her mouth
> wears off.

About these ads