Having children is an utterly joyful part of a person's life, but it can also be incredibly difficult, particularly when they're younger and don't have any sense of self-control. The dentist can be a scary place for a toddler and cause them to feel overstimulated and misbehave. Fortunately, there are ways to help ensure that your toddler's experience at the dentist is tolerable for everyone involved. Here are four tips for bringing over-active children to the dentist.
Tips for Bringing Over-Active Children to the Dentist
Tell them about it
Your toddler might be over-active at the dentist because they don't know what to expect. It's a brand-new environment, which can cause them to become impatient and fidgety. You should do everything you can to prepare them. Tell them weeks in advance that they'll be having their teeth inspected. Remind them every day leading up to it, so it doesn't take them by total surprise.
Practice with them
Even if you're not a dentist, you can still help your child get an understanding of the experience. Have them lie down and open their mouth, then gently tap their teeth with your fingers to give them an idea. You can have them do the same for you as well.
Be there for them in the office
Your toddler can become over-active through fear of the dentist's office. By coming with them during their check-up and doing things like holding their hand, you can help them relax and enjoy the experience.
We hope this has given you a good idea of how to bring over-active children to the dentist. While no child is completely relaxed the first time, you can set a precedent for your toddler to enjoy the experience more and more.
Consider Sedation
Dental sedation is a common practice, as plenty of adults have anxiety when their teeth are worked on as well. For a rambunctious toddler, sedation can be a solid solution. This isn't always meant to knock out a child, but rather to relax them so that they can experience the procedure with minimal discomfort.
There are several types of sedation available. Oral sedation relaxes a child a bit. Nitrous oxide (perhaps better known as laughing gas) is another method that promotes relaxation. Finally, intravenous sedation is administered via a needle and can be used in conjunction with laughing gas. If your dentist suggests sedation, make sure to ask exactly what method they plan to use and how much of it.