A dentist has revealed the best tips and tricks to preparing your little ones for the dreaded teeth checkups.
Hanna Kinsella, 35, who is a mum to Max, two, and Kimi, one, is an expert when it comes to getting your kids ready for a trip to the dentist.
As most parents may know, a trip to the dentist with your little ones can be a stressful experience for both parent and child.
For young kids, the thought of having a stranger poke around in their mouth is scary, but Hanna has the perfect advice to put their minds at ease.
PREPARATION IS KEY
When it comes to going to the dentist, most little ones become scared of the fear of the unknown.
Hanna suggests that talking to your kids about the trip is a good way at putting their minds at ease.
“Talking around the subject and preparing little ones for the trip early on is key,” Hanna, who is from Cheshire, told NeedToKnow.co.uk”
Sit down and talk with them about what will happen at the dentist.
“Tell them about how when they arrive they will get to say hello to the receptionist, then talk them through what happens next.
“I recommend showing them an age-appropriate video of what happens at the dentist so they can be familiar and less likely to be apprehensive.”
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Younger kids often look up to adults as their role models, so if they were to see you heading to the dentist, Hanna says this will help their fear.
She said: “Regular checkups aren’t just important for little ones, grown-ups should be heading to the dentist too.
“Showing your little one that you aren’t scared to go to the dentist is really important in removing any fear kids might have about going themselves.
“Little ones like to mimic the grown-ups in their lives so be that good example and get yourself to the dentist.”
RAMP UP THE REASSURANCE
Hannah said: “Little ones may be concerned that they are going to be around a stranger, however, grown-ups should reassure their kids that they will be with them the whole time, during a check-up.
“Make sure they know they are welcome to ask any questions before their check-up begins and they can always chat through you rather than the dentist if they are feeling shy – that way you can pass on their queries.”
GIVE THEM THE (CHILD FRIENDLY!) INFORMATION
Children will most likely not be aware by visiting the dentist is important, so by providing them with this information, you are encouraging them to go to the dentist.
Hanna added: “We as adults know how important regular dental check-ups are, however, a preschooler is probably not aware.
“Break it down for them, explain that our teeth are a very important part of our body and we need to take extra care with them, and one way we can do this is by going to the dentist.
“After all who doesn’t want strong teeth that allow us to enjoy all of our favourite food and are extra sparkly when we smile.”
“This tip will also help with regular teeth brushing, so carry on this encouragement with teeth maintenance at home.”
PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
There is nothing kids love more than playing a fun game with friends and family.
This is why Hanna has recommended playing a game of ‘dentist’ with your little one to show how the tooth check-up can be fun.
She said: “Again, it might not be the dentist little ones find themselves scared of, but rather the uncertainty as to what is going to happen when they are in the dentist chair.
“Why not ‘play dentist’ at home with your little one?
“Role-playing games such as playing dentist is a great way to allow little ones to feel a little less scared, and they can be good fun too.
“Try this after your little one has watched a video as to what happens at the dentist, then take turns allowing your little one to be both the dentist and patient.
“A spare (unused) soft toothbrush works great as a play dentist tool.”
Hanna is on a mission to help parents and kids when it comes to dental hygiene.
Along with her hacks, she also developed her own business called Icy Bear Dental Cubs which promotes good oral health for children.
There is also a free app called Cubby Buddy which parents can get to encourage twice-daily teeth brushing.
