Oral health is an important part of overall health, and taking a child to a kids dentist is an integral part of maintaining good health. Some children may feel anxiety or discomfort at the thought of going to the dentist’s office. It can be particularly difficult for a child with special needs. There are several steps that can to help a child feel more comfortable with a routine visit to the dentist.
Preparing beforehand can make a big difference in a child’s dental experience. To do this effectively, the child’s specific needs should be addressed.
According to the American Dental Association, the kids dentist office should know about any special need considerations in advance. This way, the office can ensure the proper staff on hand and can have any necessary special equipment or tools ready. It can also provide an opportunity to talk to the office about what things might calm the child down or help with other challenges that may arise.
Sometimes, a helpful tactic is to find a way to distract the child from the noise and other overstimulating sensations that may be experienced during the visit. This can be particularly true for children with a sensory processing disorder. If the child has a favorite movie or show, then having that video ready to go on a phone or tablet may be a good idea. Another option is something that keeps the child’s hands busy. A stress ball or clay can be a great way for kids to use their hands to release tension.
Some children with special needs find comfort with a weighted blanket on top of them. This can help them feel more in control of the situation, which can increase the child’s feeling of wellbeing. Healthline recommends that a weighted blanket be approximately 10% of the child’s body weight.
If the child is able, communicating what is going to happen in advance can help relieve some stress, as many children express anxiety in unknown situations. However, too much knowledge can make things worse or scarier for some children, so it is important to consider the child’s individual needs.
In most cases, children with special needs should not be punished for negative behavior during a visit to the kids dentist. Positive reinforcement, however, can be a great tool for these children. Whether it is a trip to the store for a favorite treat, a special sticker or a fun activity, this can give the child something to look forward to and may encourage cooperation during the appointment.
Children with special needs may face special challenges when visiting the dentist’s office. Things like good communication, distractions and positive reinforcement can help improve the child’s experience. Consider the child’s specific needs to help make it as pleasant of a visit as possible.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A kids dentist will routinely order dental X-rays for patients. For many patients, young and old, dental X-rays are not necessary at every visit. They can reveal key information about your child's oral health, as well as the development of the jaw. A kids dentist can use these X-rays to address various oral health concerns…
Getting your child accustomed to the dentist can set them up for success in terms of oral health. A kids dentist strives to make every visit a comfortable one. Not only does this help your child build a positive association with going to the dentist, but it also allows the dentist to provide necessary oral…
Your kids dentist can help prevent serious dental issues. Bringing your child in for regular checkups enables the dentist to detect and treat any minor problem. This type of provider has an important role in keeping your child’s mouth healthy. Here is the multi-faceted role of a kids dentist in preventive dentistry.Maintaining a child’s oral…
Your emergency pediatric dentist can provide some valuable tips for managing your child’s tooth pain. Dental pain can be overwhelming for the child and the parent. Relieving it until you get to the emergency dental clinic can keep the child calm and ready for treatment. Here are some emergency pediatric dentist tips for managing your…
A kids dentist will routinely order dental X-rays for patients. For many patients, young and old, dental X-rays are not necessary at every visit. They can reveal key information about your child's oral health, as well as the development of the jaw. A kids dentist can use these X-rays to address various oral health concerns…
Getting your child accustomed to the dentist can set them up for success in terms of oral health. A kids dentist strives to make every visit a comfortable one. Not only does this help your child build a positive association with going to the dentist, but it also allows the dentist to provide necessary oral…