Oral care is important for anyone who wants to boast a gorgeous smile. For children, it may not be the easiest thing, especially when it comes to getting things like braces fitted. Here are five ways in which you can help your child get over their fear of braces before you leave home for the dentist’s office.
Listen to Them
Don’t brush off your child’s fears as being insignificant, because this won’t help get rid of the fear. Hear them out as this will help them feel more secure, and you can find a solution to their fears when you listen to them. Let them know that it’s normal to feel apprehensive, but nothing bad is going to happen. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shared a statistic stating that 23% of children aged between 2 and 11 have never visited the dentist before. If your child is one of them, take the time to assure them that everything will be okay.
Let Them Carry a Comfort Item
Home is bound to have a lot of comfort items that your child can rely on in times of stress. Ask them if they would feel better carrying a comfort toy if they’re young, and they will probably be glad for the opportunity to do so. Holding on to their favorite blanket or toy will help them feel a lot more comfortable and relaxed. This will also give the orthodontist an easier time while they fit your child’s braces, making the procedure more efficient.
Take Them to a Consultation
Before leaving home for the appointment to fix their braces, take them to a consultation with the orthodontist. Schedule this appointment during which the dentist themselves can talk to your child about the procedure. This may help them relax and feel more comfortable due to knowing what is about to be done. When they’ve been told by an authority that the process will go well, they are likely to relax more. It’s recommended by the American Association of Orthodontics that by the time your child is seven years old, you should take them to see an orthodontist. The first visit may be nerve-racking, so prepare them well for it at home.
Talk to Them About The Benefits of Braces
Many people, not just children, worry about the effect that braces will have on their appearance. This may cloud their judgment and have them thinking that they’re not worth it, but if you can let them know the good that braces will do for their oral health, they may be more accepting. Talk to them about direct benefits like improving the symmetry of their faces and having them need fewer invasive orthodontic treatments in the future. Acceptance will make the process easier as they will know it’s for their good, and they’re also likely to be less anxious.
Come up With a Routine
If your child gets anxious before each visit to the dentist, it’s a good idea to establish a routine. This will help them feel more relaxed and in control when they know what’s about to follow. Be prepared to help them deal with pain afterward by getting over-the-counter medication in case they need it. End the event with an activity that your child will enjoy, like getting a new book for them or playing their favorite game with them. This will help reduce anxiety and inspire cooperation. With over 3.5 million American teens and kids starting to wear braces each year, there’s a chance you’ll meet someone else who has appointments for their child’s braces. You can schedule the appointments together and make it an opportunity for all of you to bond.
Dental visits don’t have to be painful, anxiety-ridden, and terrible experiences for your child. Help them face their fears from this stage, and they’re likely to be grateful for this for the rest of their lives.
