Hello, my name is Karla Madison and this is my blog about the importance of dental care during pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my second child, my gums would bleed when I brushed my teeth. I went to my dentist and he told me that I had pregnancy gingivitis. He also informed me that this is a common condition for pregnant women because their hormones are changing during pregnancy. I followed the instructions of my dentist and my gums stopped bleeding and were healthy again. I also started doing research about the importance of dental care during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you should read this blog to learn why it's so important to keep up with dental care while pregnant. This blog will give you the information you need so that you can have healthy teeth and gums during your pregnancy.
It is not uncommon for children to have fear or anxiety of the unknown. As such, if this is your child's first dental appointment or they don't remember their last dental appointment, they may be apprehensive or anxious about an upcoming dental appointment. As a parent, you want to do what you can to ease fears and make the appointment as smooth as possible. Here are a few tips to help ease dental anxiety in a child prior to a dental appointment.
Read Books and Watch Videos Pertaining to Visiting a Dental Office
Children may be scared about going to a dentist simply because they do not understand what a dentist does or they do not realize that everyone goes to the dentist. Fortunately, there are many books, televisions shows, and online videos created for children that talk about going to the dentist. Your child can see that their favorite character goes to the dentist. Reading books and watching movies about dental visits in the days or weeks leading up to the appointment can help normalize this activity for your child.
Spend Time Pretending to Be a Dentist
Another way to help ease dental anxiety in children prior to a dental appointment is to pretend to be a dentist. Sit your child in a chair, ask them to open their mouth, and then use play tools or toothbrushes to look over their teeth. They feel much safer with loved ones, and if you can show them what a dentist does and that the process does not hurt, they may be more comfortable once they sit in a dental chair.
Engage in Positive Conversations and Make the Day Fun
Finally, if your child has dental anxiety, remain positive about the dentist, and consider making the day fun. You can go out for a fun meal after the dental appointment, or you can plan a fun activity. You can replace feelings of fear with excitement.
If you have done all of these activities and your child is still anxious before visiting a family dentist, talk to the dental staff, and let them know. Great dentists will take things slowly and explain to your child what they are doing to help ease fears. The staff may also be able to put on movies or music to help your child. Children should be seen by a pediatric or family dentist once every six months, and sticking to this timeline helps to get your child used to going to the dentist, while also ensuring their teeth and gums are healthy.
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