Getting Past Your Dental Fears And Learning About Technology

Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.

How to Manage Dental Care With a Child

Dentist Blog

Teaching and promoting quality dental care can be tricky with toddlers, they may be terrible at brushing their teeth, or just not like the feeling of a toothbrush. A seemingly simple task can turn into a meltdown, despite a parent's efforts for trying to encourage a healthy habit. Emphasizing the importance of dental care with your child while they are still young can contribute to their overall health and promote great health habits as they grow. Here are some tips to help your child learn how to enjoy brushing their teeth.

Novelties 

Tooth brushes can be a novelty to a child and come in a wide variety of designs, colors, or themes. Your child may enjoy selecting their own 'special' toothbrush and it could help inspire them to use it. A special toothbrush may also give your child a sense of ownership and responsibility, which are key to quality dental care. In addition, toothpaste can be just as exciting as the toothbrush. Depending on your toothpaste composition preferences as a parent, consider providing your child with a few choices of toothpaste flavors that appeal to them. You may have to try more than one to find that tasty flavor, but an appealing taste will also help incentivize a child to brush their teeth. Since toothpaste is used so frequently, finding a quality and likable toothpaste is essential to good dental care.

Start Small

You may not be able to complete a full brushing session right away, be patient and start with small goals. Consider counting to ten for the first few nights as you brush your child's teeth. Incorporate taking turns brushing your little one's teeth to give them ownership of the process of dental care, and help them feel comfortable using a toothbrush.

Routine

Having a routine gives a child the chance to gradually understand something intimidating or new. By being consistent, your child will know what to expect and begin to learn the process of taking care of their teeth. Routine is also a great teaching opportunity to promote healthy habits that could pay off for a life-time of quality self-dental care.

Set dental care goals with your child for brushing their teeth and give them rewards when they accomplish them. Display a sticker chart in a convenient spot (such as a bathroom wall) and award a sticker to the child each time they brush their teeth. If they reach their goal, consider giving them a fun reward. Next stop, the dentist chair. Schedule a visit with your child's dentist today.

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2 July 2020