Five Tips to Help Treat Pediatric Dental Patients

June 17, 2022, Pearl Shine Dental Clinic

Pediatric dentistry is important, as your child’s teeth need care and attention as soon as they erupt. Going to the dentist from the beginning will help identify and treat any dental problems they have. However, many children are anxious about visiting the dentist’s office; it is not their favorite place to go. Therefore, pediatric dentists employ some techniques to help their patients through their appointment. In this blog, we have listed some tips to try when a scared, anxious kid walks into your office for treatment.

 Tips for Treating Pediatric Dental Patients

If your dentistry treats pediatric dental patients, these tips might help:

 1.Create A Friendly Space For Kids

The sight of large chairs, plain white walls, posters about dental issues, and dental tools can be overwhelming for kids. The space is already unfamiliar, and these factors only add to their anxiety. What you can do is let the child feel welcomed. You can add colorful decor, toys, games, and things or activities they would be drawn to. Having something they feel connected to can help them feel more familiar with the place. You can assort a couple of tiny chairs for kids so they don’t feel left out and small compared to the large chairs. Moreover, you can ask your staff to wear colorful, printed scrubs with cartoons or friendly designs while treating the kids.

 2.Speak to Them in Simple, Understandable Terms

Using complex dental terminology will be incomprehensible to the kid. Moreover, hearing unfamiliar terms like carries, saliva ejector, etc., can add to their existing fear of visiting a dentist. A simple vocabulary will help the kids know and understand what is happening. Replace the dentistry terms with something that does not scare them. For instance, you can tell them that you are taking a ‘picture’ of their teeth while taking an x-ray to make it sound less frightening.

 3.Make Use of Visual Aids

Instead of telling, you can show the child what they can expect during the procedure. Use picture books and short video clips to communicate whatever is required. They can understand pictures better to comprehend what is happening to them.

 4.Don’t Leave Anything Out; Tell them Everything

Usually, the dentist’s office visit is accompanied by the fear of the unknown. Children don’t know what will happen, making them anxious. Therefore, walk them through the process in basic, appropriate terms before the procedure. Explain what will happen in detail, and give them step-by-step instructions. Let them ask questions, and answer them honestly, but not in a way that scares them off even more. Inform them of the sounds they will hear, what they will feel, and what smells they might smell to prepare them for everything beforehand instead of surprise occurrences.

 5.Praise & Reward

Going to the dentist is a big task for some kids, as most of them have conquered their fears by the end. You can praise their bravery and give them rewards. Many offices hand out inexpensive toys of the child’s choice. Moreover, you can even give them stickers for every accomplishment. You can also ask local restaurants for discounts for your patients, which will help reward the pediatric patient. In addition, you can help support a local business.

The Closing Word

Going to the dentist has scary connotations for many kids. Therefore, make it a less fear-inducing experience for them. Making it understandable and relatable, making them feel welcomed, and offering your pediatric dental patients rewards are some tips that can help make it a non-frightening experience for them. You can be the best pediatric dentist Houston has if you live there by following these five tips for treating pediatric dental patients. You can find good pediatric dentistry with exceptional services wherever you live. Thus, do not delay your child’s dental visits.

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