“She has her father’s gorgeous eyes!”
“He sings beautifully, just like his mother.”
“He’s so smart – must have gotten that from his Dad!”
“Just like her Mom – a natural athlete!”
We love to brag about our children and it gives us extra pleasure when we think they inherited their positive traits from us! But how about when they get something from us that might not be so good?
According to a recent study performed at Rey Juan Carolos University of Madrid, fear of the dentist may be associated with a similar fear in their parents – especially the father!
“Children seem to mainly pay attention to the emotional reactions of the fathers when deciding if situations at the dentist are potentially stressful,” said study co-author professor America Lara-Sacido. They went to discuss that dental fear by either parent can set up their children for a lifetime of difficulty at the dentist.
At Dillon Family Dentistry, it is our goal to take dental fear out of the equation and make your dental office visit as easy as possible. Our modern techniques and caring approach will provide you with the most pleasant dental experience imaginable. And if you have any worries at all, please feel free to discuss them with us.
Here are some tips from The American Dental Association on making your young child’s dental visit easy as possible:
• Consider making a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative.
• Keep any anxiety or concerns you have to yourself. Children can pick up on your emotions, so emphasize the positive.
• Never use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.
• Talk with your child about visiting the dentist.
• Never bribe your child.
I never liked the idea of bribing your child, however the McDonald’s across the street from our Bryn Mawr dental office seems to be a popular after-visit-destination.
Here are some tips from me:
• Make it seem like a big ‘Right of Passage’, but mostly in a reward for being bigger
• Older siblings will actually make a huge impression and can make a child apprehensive or even chomping at the bit to be able to sit in the chair. Make sure older sibs don’t work against you and the kid!!!
• Feel free to bring toddlers into the office with you when you have a check-up or easy appointment. I like to let them sit on their parents lap and just get them used to having me look in their mouth. Easy acclimation!
And remember – if your child is anxious about a dental visit, it may be because of you! Please come in and discuss any dental issues you may be having and we will show you how modern dentistry is more comfortable than ever – and maybe even fun!
To make an appointment for any member of the family or to discuss your dental needs, please check out our family dental services & call us today at 610-525 5497. At Dillon Family Dentistry, your comfort is our primary concern!