Going to Dentist

Going to the dentist can be a frightening experience for anyone but if you’re a child with special needs it can be a nightmare. the noises from the drill, the bright lights, the smells, and unfamiliar faces can be overwhelming. Special needs children can be classified as either child with a developmental disability have a behavioral issue or physical limitations. Parents with special needs children must find a dentist that specializes in treating their children with as little trauma as possible. Parents must do their research and search for the right dentist.

it is important to acclimate children for gentle care early and often. This process is called question “ desensitization”. visits to the dentist office should be scheduled during the less busy hours. Parents should be encouraged to discuss the child’s behaviors and not be embarrassed. A Pediatric dentist has extra years of training in dealing with children, who have anxiety problems. Preparation is key in helping the children deal with going to a dentist. Children should be taught good oral hygiene starting at the age of 1. Oral hygiene should be part of the daily routine for not only special needs children but all children. Providing books to children about good oral hygiene can help them understand the importance this has on their visits to dentists.

Plan a tour of the dentist office ahead of the appointment can allow the child to explore and understand what is happening in the office, taking away some of the fear. by bringing the child early for “happy visits”, the child can check out the dentist’s office. Parents can discuss with the dentist about options for making the appointment as easy as possible on the child. Recommendations could be as simple as dimming the lights in the room, bringing a toy or familiar object from home to hold during the dental treatment. Pictures and books can be brought to show the child what will happen during the appointment so that your child will know step by step of what will occur when they come in for their Dental visit. These “pre-appointments”, will allow the child to see the examination room, discover the equipment that is used in the office, and my staff. Rewards for the child can be discussed ahead of time, such as ice cream, or going to the park for example. These rewards may help motivate and encourage the child. Parents and staff can also determine accessibility If the child is in a wheelchair or uses a walker.

Parents should ask how the dentist handles kids with anxiety issues. questions can be asked of the dentist like can the parents day was a child during the procedure, and what are the office procedures for handling difficult behaviors during dental procedures.

Some items the parent can bring or provide to their child as comfort items would be sunglasses and earplugs to help with bright lights and loud noises. Also, a portable DVD player with the Child’s favorite video can be played during the procedure for distraction.