Preparing Your Child (Physically and Emotionally) for either surgeries or general dental anxiety!

July 24, 2024

As a parent, your child’s oral health is a top priority. Whether it is a routine check-up, a more involved dental procedure, or even surgery, it is natural for both you and your child to feel anxious. This week’s blog is dedicated to helping you prepare your child for their dental visit, both physically and emotionally. 

Understanding Dental Anxiety in Children 

Dental anxiety is common among children; however, understanding and addressing it can make a huge difference! Here are a few tips to help your child feel more comfortable. 

Start Early, and Be Consistent: Regular dental visits from a young age can help your child feel familiar with the environment, tools, and procedures, which can help reduce their anxiety over time. 

  1. Be Positive: Talk about dental appointments positively with your child, avoiding words like “pain” and “hurt”. Alternatively, focus on how the dentist helps keep their teeth strong and healthy!
  2. Read Books and Watch Videos: There are lots of children’s books and videos about visiting the dentist that you can access from home. This can help your child understand what to expect at dental visits in both a fun and engaging way.
  3. Role-Playing: Try practicing a dental visit at home! Let your child play the role of the dentist and you be the patient, then switch roles. This can help the child become familiar with dental habits while making the visit less intimidating. 

Physical Preparation for Dental Procedures

Preparing your child physically for a dental visit involves a few key steps:

  1. Follow Pre-Procedure Instructions: If the dentist provides you with specific instructions (such as fasting prior to sedation), ensure to follow them carefully and clarify any confusion beforehand. 
  2. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Encourage your child to continue brushing and flossing regularly before the appointment. Good oral hygiene can prevent complications and allow the procedure to go even smoother!
  3. Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins helps support your child’s overall and dental health.
  4. Comfortable Clothing: Help your child relax by dressing them in comfortable clothing on the day of the appointment. 

Emotional Preparation for Dental Procedures 

Emotional preparation is important in creating a stress-free dental visit! Here are some tips to help.

  1. Open Conversations: Have an open conversation with your child about what their fears are. Reassuring and explaining the process will ease their minds and help them understand that they are completely safe.
  2. Explain the Procedure: Explain what will happen using simple and age-appropriate language, avoiding overly technical details that may confuse or worry your child.
  3. Stay Calm and Reassuring: Children can pick up on their parents’ emotions. Stay strong and calm for your child, and offer plenty of reassurance that everything will be okay. 
  4. Bring Comfort Items: A small comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or a blanket, can help ease your child’s anxiety.
  5. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization. These can be very useful if they begin to feel anxious during the visit. 
  6. Communicate with your Dental Team: If your child is anxious, communicate that with the dental team so they can take the proper precautions. The dental team is always here to support you and your child!

Post-Procedure Care and Support 

After the procedure, it is important to provide the right care and support to your child to ensure a smooth recovery.

  1. Follow Post-Procedure Instructions: Adhere to any instructions provided by the dentist regarding medication, diet, and activity levels. 
  2. Monitor your Child: Keep an eye on your child and watch for any signs of discomfort or complications. Contact our office if you have any concerns!
  3. Offer Comfort and Reassurance: Provide plenty of hugs, cuddles, and comforting words. Let your child know how proud you are of them for being brave!
  4. Maintain Routine: Try to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible. This will help your child feel more secure and return to regular activities.

Following these tips can help ensure that your child’s dental visits are as stress-free and positive as possible. Remember, your dentist is your partner in your child’s oral health, so do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!

Children’s Dental Health Centre Information:

Phone: (403) 930-0270

Email: info@childrensdentalhealth.ca

Or  “Book Now” on our website

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