I am so excited to welcome Dr. Greg Grillo onto my blog today. Dr. Greg Grillo is sharing 3 tips to help you or your children start overcoming sensory issues at the dentist.
Dr. Greg Grillo (dentably.com) – Dr. Greg is from the state of Washington and has been practicing dentistry for more than 17 years. He is committed to helping families receive the best dental care possible and has a passion for dental marketing.
Going to the dentist for the first time can be intimidating for most people. As a parent, you may find that your child has certain sensory issues when it comes to visiting the dentist as the unfamiliar environment can make one uncomfortable. Luckily, there are many ways that you can help prepare your child for the dentist and guide them to overcome their sensory issues. Dental care is extremely important, and these helpful tips can aid you and your child to become more comfortable at the dentist.
1. Talking with your dentist
Talking to your dentist is a great start for helping your child overcome any sensory issues they may have. They are a great source of information and you can ask them any questions that are on your mind. It is a dentist’s goal to make a patient as comfortable as possible. If any accommodations need to be made to assure a good visit, they will be more than willing to do so.
Talk to Your Dentist
Having a conversation with your dentist about making special accommodations during your child’s appointment can be beneficial to your child if they are sensitive. Anything that you feel will help your child feel at ease, a dentist will most likely do for them.
2. Scheduling a familiarization appointment
Another way to help desensitize your child to overwhelming elements at the dentist is by scheduling a familiarization appointment. Most dentists will offer these for children with sensory issues. They are a great way for your child to see the dental office and meet the office staff members before any work is done on their teeth. It’s an opportunity for you and your child to become more comfortable with the environment before the actual dental appointment. Talk to your dentist about scheduling an appointment like this to help your child with any sensory issues they may be feeling towards their dental visit.
3. Practicing at home
Finally, working on sensory issues at home is a great way to teach children oral hygiene and help them feel more confident at their dental visit. At home, begin by implementing a good dental care routine. A good routine involves brushing and flossing every day plus eating a healthy diet that’s rich in vitamins and nutrients. By doing this, a child can learn what dental hygiene is and help them understand the importance of visiting the dentist.
Visuals
Some great ways to work through sensory issues is by utilizing visuals such as stories and videos to show your child what a dental visit looks like. This will help them become more familiar with the environment of a dental office.
Role-Playing
You can also play a role-playing game and turn your house into a dental office. Have your child practice lying flat with their hands on their stomach and opening their mouth wide. Making this into a fun game can help them become comfortable when they have to go to the dentist. It can be intimidating for a child to go to the dentist for the first time. Sensory issues can make one hesitant to receive the dental care that they need. If your child is experiencing sensory issues, there are many things that you can do to help them become more comfortable at their dental exams. Remember to always show them love and support and embrace the learning experience of being at the dentist.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to Dr Greg Grillo for sharing these fantastic tips with us. I hope you find these tips helpful for overcoming sensory issues at the dentist.
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