Tips for a Tear-Free Dental Visit

Tips for a Tear-Free Dental Visit
Posted on 06/02/2016
tear free pediatric dentist maplewood md

At Maplewood Dental Associates, we have years of experience working with children in the Maplewood, MN area, and we've developed the skills and knowledge to make almost every visit to our office a pleasant experience for all involved. As a parent, though, there are things you can do to help - so here are our biggest tips for making sure your next visit with us is tear-free and full of smiles!

Talk (and Listen!)

One of the biggest things you can do to help prepare your child for the dentist's office is to talk honestly with them about their feelings surrounding the visit. If they express anxiety, fear, or uncertainty, listen closely to try to understand where they're coming from. By encouraging them to express their feelings, you can help them work through any anxiety and reassure them that the dentist's office is a safe, welcoming space.

Make A Routine

Dental care doesn't just happen inside the office, and helping your child see and familiarize themselves with it can help them adjust to a dental visit. Make a routine of brushing and flossing your teeth with your child every night, and use that time to explain how important dental health is for both their smile and their overall wellbeing. By making dental hygiene & health a regular part of home life, you'll help them get familiar and feel comfortable with dentistry in general.

Sedation Dentistry

For some children, a dentist's appointment is just a little too nerve wracking - no amount of talking can help it. In those cases, we're happy to offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry has been approved by the American Dental Association as a safe, effective way to keep children comfortable at dental appointments, and we use a mild sedative that still lets your child think, move, and communicate. In almost all cases, the patient doesn't even fall asleep - they just become more calm and relaxed.

Contact Your Maplewood, MN Family Dentists

Have more questions about getting your child ready for a dental appointment? We're always happy to answer them. Feel free to call us at 651-770-3831, reach out to us at our contact page, or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at our Maplewood, MN office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we hope to see you back at this blog for more tips and information on achieving and maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile for both you and your child!

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