Straight Teeth in Less Time
Three Reasons Why Going To The Dentist With Your Child Is A Good Idea
Lois Murray
Every parent should maintain a regular schedule of taking their child to the dentist's office. But there's a big difference between dropping your child off for a dental cleaning and going in for one yourself, too. If you've never had an appointment alongside your child, you may want to consider it, as it offers some benefits for both of you.
Less Fear
Children have a tendency to be anxious or fearful of new situations, and dentist's offices are no different. Sitting in a room alone with a hygienist or dentist surrounded by what seems like strange instruments may be nerve-wracking for your kid, and at worst, could leave them with anxiety about their future appointments.
By going in with your child for a cleaning or examination alongside them, you can avoid much of this problem. Just your presence as being there and knowing that you're having the same thing done to your teeth will make your child feel safer and more at ease. If you can't get your treatments done at the exact same time, consider sitting in with your child and either taking an appointment just before or after them, so they can see you get treated, too.
Your Experience
One of the benefits of your child watching you get a cleaning and examination is that they'll get a good idea of what dental hygiene is all about. If you've been taking great care of your teeth and gums, that's great! Your child will hear your dentist or hygienist tell you so, and it will encourage them to do the same.
On the other hand, if your dental health isn't in perfect shape, this can give the two of you something to focus on and improve, and teaches your child that even grown-ups can do better with their oral hygiene.
All at Once
The last advantage is a big one for you, especially if you have more than one child. Going to the dentist to get all of your teeth cared for all at once can save you a ton of time. When kids have school, clubs, sports, and homework all vying for their attention, it can be tough to find a spot that works for their schedule. Add on to that the annoyance of having to come back later just to get your own teeth taken care of, and it becomes easy to see how getting care together can save you a lot of time and a lot of scheduling hassles.
A family dentistry office can be a great option for parents.
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I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.