Ahh. So it arrives.
That dreaded letter from the dentist. I hate going to the dentist. I think it comes from a mixture of things really – my mum has always hated the dentist though tried to “power through” and never admitted it until I was older and then there was my teeth as I grew up… I actually have two false teeth, I was born without two of my “big teeth” so had to have replacements bridged into my mouth which meant I had to have the gap between my teeth closed with a rather painful set of braces. Think Katy Perry in the TGIF music video… Without the fun.
One thing I don’t want to pass on to my kids is a fear of the dentist, it literally must not happen. It’s so important that we take care of our teeth – it is extortionate to fix an issue unless you have an NHS dentist, and they are becoming rarer than rocking horse shit. So how to impart this “love” of the dentist that I’m seeking and how to encourage the kids to look after their teeth better?
Well, there are billions of tips out there, these but this is what I have found works for us:
1.) Go to the dentist, not just when it’s ouch central.
Going to the dentist when you are in agony is often considered one of the reasons that so many people have a “fear” of the dentist. We associate it with negativity. As its recommended by the The Centre for Advanced Dentistry Yorkshire, a visit to the dentist once every 6 months is a must, just as a formal check up.
2.) Get fun with it
Stickers, mini toys and BIG smiles. Make it something the kids looks forward to – we have a small village dentist so after every visit we go to the local baker and let the kids pick out a cookie or cake. We don’t tell the dentist this. No sir. There is also a local pub, few toy shops and a bookstore. If the kids have been extra good, we let them have a little pocket money toy or something. It means they associate the dentist with FUN.
3.) Smile for me
Smile. Try to avoid phrases like “I hate the dentist” or “Oh god I hope he doesn’t hurt me this time”. That is not going to inspire confidence in your little tinkers. Instead, if your kids are anything like mine, they will love talking about the science behind dentistry. Encourage them to ask questions while you are in the chair, explain to them yourself about the teeth and in turn ask them questions about why teeth are so important. Kids are like puppies, they want to please you.
4.) Go for the whole experience
Get the in the chair. Every time we have a dental appointment, from birth onwards, the kids have had a seat in the patient’s chair. When they are feeling brave the dentist has had a little look in their mouth and Reuben’s favourite part has been swilling the pink mouth wash at the end! It takes the fear out of everything.
5.) That’s my toothbrush!
Invest in a good toothbrush. I have allowed the kids to choose their own heads for two electric toothbrushes – we have a Cars and Avengers head, which can be changed as they grow. Yes, I’m aware that £35 for a toothbrush for a 3 year old sounds painful, but it is a long term investment. You aren’t going to rebut the electric hand set but rather the little heads which are much less. Edith has a brilliant teething toothbrush from Nuby, that she is allowed to carry around as and when she wants. I would recommend something like a matchstick monkey teething gel applicator and training toothbrush from the age of 1-2 months if necessary, or 4 months if not. It acts as a teether, so naturally fits well with your child’s growth. Edith loved hers!
6.) Don’t harp on about sweets
I have found that a lot of the stuff I like to eat is actually a dentist’s worst nightmare. Sweets. Sugary cakes, juice, coffee, tea… Yeah. I think the only thing I have learnt here is that by reinforcing to the children that their favourite things are frowned upon by dentists makes them think of the dentist as the harbinger of doom and sucker of fun. I mean, would you like someone who dissed all your favourite stuff? Nah, didn’t think so. So, try not to focus on the fact the dentist disapproves, and rather talk about how it’s bad for your teeth and needs to be done in moderation.
There really is no reason to fear the dentist and if we focus on the fact that these are people and not ghouls who suck the sugary goodness out of our lives and prod our teeth and gums… Well, we’d all be much happier to attend! Also, never (and I mean never) inadvertently allow children to watch The Dentist.
Anything to add to these tips?
H x
Awesome post! Love your tips on investing n a good toothbrush and going to the dentist not just when your in pain, both are very important to your overall oral health. Thanks for sharing!
its, not the easiest job take our little to a dental office I had a terrible experience in the past but this tips will help me next time.
These are great tips for encouraging kids to go to the dentist! I like your advice about making it fun by either going to a local bakery or a toy store because going to the dentist should be a good and fun experience and should have a positive association to it! Thanks for sharing!
It’s definitely important to not transfer your fear of the dentist to your kids. It’s important to make sure they are comfortable and have a good experience!
Thanks for your comment – I totally agree!
I used to hate the dentist. As a kid i actually bit the dentist too. My friend has had a very bad dentist who basically didn’t do his job properly. He wouldn’t remove her tooth even though she kept asking him to many times as she was in very bad pain. He insisted on trying to save the tooth, but there was no point. She saw another dentist who said he should have removed it. Some dentists can really put you off x
Oh no! I think you’re so right, a bad dentist is a big issue!
These are some great tips, I absolutely hate going to the dentist now even as adult. 😥
Ahh thanks lovely x
Great tips! I need to take my little one to the dentist for the first time soon.
Ah best of luck!!
I never bothered about having to go to the dentist as a kid. I actually thought it was quite a nice change! I also love the games and books that were always there!
That is fab Kira, Roo gets quite nervous but Toby isn’t fussed!
Your right its important to have checks even as an adult. Its a good idea to create the whole experience and make it fun so they don’t as you said associate it with negativity.
Thanks Ana x
These are fantastic tips to encourage children to go to the dentist!
Thanks lovely 🙂
I need to start encouraging myself to go to the denist! haha! Great post!
xoxo, Candice
http://www.candicenikeia.com
Ha my mum is like that Candice!
These are great tips!!! I was always completely fine with going to the dentist and my mum is the scared one ha! Maybe I should use these tips on her
Thank you 🙂
I need to take my girls to the dentist, I’ve been meaning to for ages but haven’t had a chance to yet.
It’s hard to find the time isn’t it!
Great tips! I used to be terrified on the dentist when I was younger, but that was mainly because of the thought of having an injection! I completely agree with you, that it is important not to show your fear, and try to encourage your children to not worry about the dentist. 🙂
Oh no!
These are great tips, I’m taking my little one to the dentist for the first time soon. I want him to get used to going and think of it as normal every 6 months rather than wait until he needs to see him for some reason x
Thanks Jenni!
I agree. If we go on about sweets being bad the kids could get worried and over anxious about it. Sylvia likes the dentist so we are lucky in that respect but i guess toys and stickers and a special toothbrush can make the experience easier for sure.
Oh that is so good Angela!
We have a really lovely dentist so its never been a problem going! Plus he is so good looking that I do not mind either haha
Bahaha Hannah!
I’ve nothing to add because this is perfect! I keep meaning to take Finley one day.
Ah thank you Jo 🙂
I take the kids for checkups every 6 months so they are regulars there.
Snap!
I Think if kids visit regularly the fear soon goes.
Too true Nayna 🙂
Some great tips here – nothing to add really. I struggle as an adult but force myself to go as I’d rather go than have all my teeth drop out!
Exactly!!
I think the attitude of the parents is important. If we show no fear, then the kids will show less fear too.
I agree!
Our NHS dentist is awful! They have cancelled every single appointment I have made over the last three years one the day of the appointment itself, so my two haven’t yet been to one. Thankfully a new one has just opened up so we are booked in to see them very soon. Love these tips! Xxx
Oh no! How upsetting! Thanks lovely!