Tooth Extractions: 4 Tips For Preparing For Your Child
If your child is going to have to get a tooth pulled, you may not be certain as to how your child is going to handle the tooth extraction. The best thing you can do is to encourage your child, send positive vibes, and ensure that your child understands as much about the procedure as possible. In doing so, you will ensure that your child has a positive dental experience moving forward, and doesn't have a fear of the dental office.
Tip #1: Remain Positive
Sit down with your child to have a discussion about the upcoming tooth extraction. Let your child know that the procedure is going to make his or her teeth healthier. While you may feel a bit nervous about the procedure, it is important that you don't show this to your child. Your child needs to see that you are confident and relaxed so that the same behavior will reflect onto your child.
Tip #2: Allow Questions
Don't discourage questions about the procedure from your child. However, before you have this conversation with your child, make sure that you have spoken with the dentist so that you are properly informed and equipped with the information that you need to answer the questions that your child may have. You may even want to go online and find some kid-friendly videos that you and your child can watch together that will help alleviate some of his or her fears regarding the tooth extraction procedure.
Tip #3: Plan a Relaxing Day
Depending on the time of the procedure, you should plan for a relaxing day. Do your child's favorite activity like going to the park, going to the arcade, playing a game, etc. You should also make certain that your child gets plenty of rest the previous night. Since your child will be unable to eat immediately following the extraction, consider rewarding your child with a pair of movie tickets, a new book, or something similar.
Tip #4: Take Comfort Items
On the day of the extraction you should allow your child to bring something that makes him or her comfortable, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, etc. This will help ease some of the anxiety and stress that your child is experiencing. One distraction that may help is music, so if your child has an iPod or MP3 player, you may let him or her take it to the dental office. Just make sure a comfort object is okay with the dentist ahead of time, as some dentists may not allow them in the office.
For more information, contact your local dental office.