2. Let your child watch you. You could sit in the chair and let the hygienist clean your teeth or the dentist count your teeth, while your child watches.
3. Schedule a morning appointment. When children are well rested, the dental appointment often goes more smoothly.
4. Help your child get comfortable. Let your child sit in your lap on the dental chair for the appointment.
5. Let your child go in alone. If you haven't had luck staying with your child for the dental appointment you may find it helps to let them go into the dentist alone. Some children "act up" more if their parent is present.
6. Discuss options (eg. laughing gas) with your child’s dentist.
7. Try a pediatric dentist (pedodontist) Pedodontists have had extra years of training to learn how to help children. Also, because they see only children, their office will be more kid-friendly.
8. Deep Pressure. Prepare your child’s mouth and body by providing deep pressure to his or her jaw, cheeks and lips, as well as through his or her entire body. Your child may like to be under a weighted blanket or the “special” blanket the dentist applies with X-rays.
9. Security Blanket. Allow your child to hold their favorite toy, stuffed animal or blanket to help them calm. They may also do better if they have head phones on with his or her favorite music.
10. Don’t avoid the dentist. Stick to your appointments so your child has opportunities to de-sensitize to the dentist office. If they know the dental hygienist or the lady behind the desk, they will feel more comfortable!
