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A Parent's Guide to Preschooler Dentist Visits
Sometimes preschooler parents find it difficult to know how to approach dental visits. Will making it a “big deal” scare your preschooler? Will being too nonchalant make your preschooler lose trust in you after the visit? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has some suggestions for parents for making dental visits a more manageable and positive experience.
Often it’s suggested that a parent not accompany their child to the exam room, though this is difficult if your child is of preschool age. So when in the exam room, allow the dentist to talk and interact with your preschooler without consistent interruption on your part. Saying what is necessary when asked, but mostly being an observer will allow trust to grow between the dentist and your preschooler. Be present in the exam room with your preschooler, allowing them to know your presence, but not allowing them to see your face. Any worried look or spontaneous squeamish reaction on your part will transfer worry to them, too. If you have to, hold hands or have your little one sit on your lap during the exam, again trying not to react negatively.
Before the dental appointment, not making a big deal about the visit and taking a casual approach is better than making the visit all-important and ominous. Telling your preschooler that it’s very routine for everyone with healthy teeth to go to the dentist and not expressing anxiety about it will likely lead to a calmer reaction from your preschooler, and an overall more positive experience for you, your preschooler and the dentist. This also sets up a healthy long term habit of dental visits that are looked at as routine and normal, and not something to be avoided and feared.
Reference:
American Dental Association. Retrieved from http://www.ADA/Article_2006_06_PlaceTrustInDentist.cvsp on 08 March 2008.
Disclaimer: Any information provided on PreschoolRock Health is for informational and educational purposes only. Please see a health care provider if you have any medical concerns. PreschoolRock.com, its owners, agents and authors shall not be liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the use or misuse of the material contained in this web site.
The Parent's Role
The nervousness or fear that parents exude about an upcoming dental visit is often translated to the child. Taking care of how you, the parent, approach a preschooler dental visit is probably the most important factor. Are you nervous about the visit? Try to deal with it alone through relaxation or visualization techniques.Often it’s suggested that a parent not accompany their child to the exam room, though this is difficult if your child is of preschool age. So when in the exam room, allow the dentist to talk and interact with your preschooler without consistent interruption on your part. Saying what is necessary when asked, but mostly being an observer will allow trust to grow between the dentist and your preschooler. Be present in the exam room with your preschooler, allowing them to know your presence, but not allowing them to see your face. Any worried look or spontaneous squeamish reaction on your part will transfer worry to them, too. If you have to, hold hands or have your little one sit on your lap during the exam, again trying not to react negatively.
Before the dental appointment, not making a big deal about the visit and taking a casual approach is better than making the visit all-important and ominous. Telling your preschooler that it’s very routine for everyone with healthy teeth to go to the dentist and not expressing anxiety about it will likely lead to a calmer reaction from your preschooler, and an overall more positive experience for you, your preschooler and the dentist. This also sets up a healthy long term habit of dental visits that are looked at as routine and normal, and not something to be avoided and feared.
Reference:
American Dental Association. Retrieved from http://www.ADA/Article_2006_06_PlaceTrustInDentist.cvsp on 08 March 2008.
Disclaimer: Any information provided on PreschoolRock Health is for informational and educational purposes only. Please see a health care provider if you have any medical concerns. PreschoolRock.com, its owners, agents and authors shall not be liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the use or misuse of the material contained in this web site.