Visiting the dentist is different during the COVID-19 crisis, which is why it’s important to prepare your child beforehand, so they don’t become nervous, anxious, or scared. Their kid’s dentist in Naperville is taking additional precautionary safety measures to prioritize their health, which means that the regular routine that they’re used to has changed. In order to reduce any anxiety or fear that they may feel from all of the changes in their routine, here are a few fun ways to prepare them for what they can expect.
Act Out The Appointment With Them
Just like when your child first visited their dentist, they’re not going to know what they can expect to see or hear, because several precautionary measures have changed the appearance of the practice, like removing activities from the waiting room. Because of this, it’s a good idea to act out the visit with them so they know what to expect and aren’t scared of the changes and lack of familiarity in their pediatric dentist’s office. One great way to do this is make and wear your own PPE around the house with your child, so they become familiar with the way it looks and don’t become scared when they see their dentist with a mask, face shield, and other equipment on.
Explain What They’re Going to See
The best way to help them ease any discomfort or anxiety around visiting their dentist during COVID-19 is to let them know what they can expect to be different. It can be jarring, walking into a familiar setting that doesn’t look as fun or inviting as it used to. By calling your pediatric dentist and asking them about the unique safety precautions they’re making, you’ll be able to better educate your child on what they can expect to see when they walk through their children’s dental practice doors. This also provides them with more control over the environment, helping them feel more relaxed in the treatment chair.
Make a Fun Distraction Game
If you know that your child will feel scared of a few new safety elements in their children’s dental office, like the dental staff wearing PPE, try to turn that into a distracting game that they can play during their appointment. For example, if wearing a face mask scares them due to the fact that they can’t identify people around them, try turning it into an in-person “Guess Who?” game. See if they can guess which dental hygienist is cleaning their teeth today, despite having two face masks and full PPE on. This will help turn something that may otherwise be daunting, into a fun challenge.
If you have any questions about how your child’s pediatric dentist is prioritizing the health of their young patients, don’t hesitate to contact their office and ask. Helping your child get prepared for their visit is the best way to ease any nerves or hesitation they may feel.
About the Author
Dr. Asim (aka Dr. Awesome) has been practicing children’s dentistry for over a decade. He’s passionate about helping his patients feel safe and comfortable while they’re at the office so they’re able to build a positive relationship with their oral health. He is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is focused on helping each of his patients learn great dental habits that last a lifetime. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry’s website or call 630-995-3393.