It is not uncommon for your child to feel scared or anxious when visiting the pediatric dentist in Palos Park, IL. Fortunately, there are ways to calm their fears before and even during their appointment.
Give Them a Heads-up
It is best to give them a heads-up so they have time to process and prepare for the appointment. Telling your child at the last minute may only heighten their anxiety. Furthermore, you want to listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and offer reassurance.
Inquire About a Tour
If your child is new to this dental office, consider calling and asking about a tour. This way, your child can become familiar with the staff and environment before their appointment. They may even be able to meet their dentist and ask questions about the procedure during the tour.
Roleplay as Dentists
Roleplaying can show your child that the dentist is not scary after all. Pretend to be a dentist who is checking and counting their teeth. Next, switch roles and let them pretend to be your dentist. You can even work together as a dentist and dental assistant to check their favorite stuffed animal.
Allow a Comfort Item
It never hurts to allow your child to bring a comfort item to the appointment, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or book. If need be, you can always bring their tablet and headphones to keep their mind off things. In most cases, toys, books, and puzzles are also available in the waiting room.
If you are looking for a trustworthy pediatric dentist in Palos Park, IL, look no further than Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry. Visit ChicagoKiDDS.com to learn more about this practice and schedule an appointment online.
