Paediatric dental professionals like our team at The Children’s Dental Centre understand that some patients need a little extra care. Introducing children with diverse needs to a new environment can be challenging. A visit with a paediatric dentist who has experience caring for kids with diverse needs can include extra time and care to support your child’s comfort, happiness, and dental well-being. We have created an environment designed to be comforting and soothing for all who walk through our doors.
We know children faced with cognitive, developmental, emotional, physical, or medical challenges may experience heightened anxiety when it comes to dental visits. When you bring your child in for any dental service, we want to help create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
You do not have to skip a dental appointment or avoid at-home dental care routines. We are here to help guide you through how to prepare your child for their dental visits and the steps you can take at home to help ensure they can enjoy a healthy, bright smile!
Preparing Children with Diverse Needs for Dental Visits
Many people have at least a little bit of anxiety about going to the dentist, but it can be extra stressful for children with diverse needs. To help ease your child’s anxiety, we recommend following these tips as you prepare them for their next dental appointment:
- use drawings or pictures to help them understand what will happen at the dental office
- watch fun online videos about going to the dentist
- try role-playing dental visits with your child—give them turns being both the dentist & the patient
- take your child with you to one of your appointments
- schedule an early first visit for your child to help build familiarity with a dentist without having to get any procedures or treatments done
No matter what steps you take to prepare your child for their next dental appointment, it is always important to remain positive and patient. Dental experiences do not have to be stressful. Getting to know your child and meeting their unique needs are always central parts of the experiences we want to provide.
Tips for Visiting the Dentist with a Child Who Has Diverse Needs
Regular dental visits are important to stay on top of your child’s dental health and prevent problems before they start, but we know these visits can be challenging. Some children can be sensitive to dental experiences and clinical settings—but that does not have to be the case.
Here are a few tips to help you and your child during your next dental visit:
Find the Right Dentist
Your first step to ensuring your child will be well taken care of is often finding the right dentist.
Compared to most general dentists, a paediatric dentist typically undergoes additional training for meeting the needs of children who have diverse needs. As pediatric dentists, we go beyond basics and tailor our dental care to the specific needs of children based on their individual personalities and lifestyles.
Create a Consistent Routine
Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine at home can help reduce the need for extra cleaning and care during dental visits, which can help make dental appointments shorter and more enjoyable for kids.
Keeping up with regular teeth brushing and flossing can also help your child get used to getting their teeth cleaned in a familiar environment. And, of course, it supports their oral health, too.
Plan to Arrive Early for your Child’s Dentist Visit
If your child is feeling uneasy about visiting the dentist, schedule a time to come in with your child when they can just visit us without getting an exam or cleaning. This gives your child the opportunity to meet us, get to know our office, and have a stress-free, positive experience.
We would love to spend some time getting to know you and your family better.
Listen to Your Child & Help Them Ask Questions
No matter what, your child should always feel heard during their appointments. When your child has things to say, we always make sure to listen to them and respect their requests. We will also take the time to explain why we might be doing something and answer all their questions.
Feel free to help your child ask us any questions they may have. This can help build trust between your child and our team, making future appointments easier.
Let’s Create Positive Dental Experiences for Your Child
Every child is unique, and our team is dedicated to providing every child with the compassionate and patient care they deserve. We love helping children affected by unique challenges enjoy their time at the dentist—so they can smile brightly with healthy teeth.
Our team at The Children’s Dental Centre has training and experience with providing dental care for children with diverse needs. Our goal is to help your child feel at ease during every moment of their visit. If you are interested in learning more or want to book your child’s next appointment, contact us today!