It seems unbelievable, but it’s true. When I was a young girl, my mother took me to the dentist to have a cavity filled. I was probably seven or so, and terrified. For some reason, parents were not invited into the examination room, and my mother—rest her soul—was too timid to insist. I remember whining and crying in fear as the dentist tried to do his work. There was no assistant in the room. I’m sure I caused the man a great deal of frustration. All of a sudden, he reared his arm back and punched me in my stomach with a closed fist. I gasped for breath, and then, horrified, sat trembling in silence for the rest of the procedure, tears streaming down my face.
Afterwards, I didn’t say a word to my mother about the incident, because in my childish perspective I assumed it was my fault. I figured I must have been so bad that the dentist needed to punch me. It was several years before I mentioned the episode to my parents, and at that point there was little that could be done.
It has been some thirty years since that dentist punched me, and I have never forgotten the horror of that moment. I am sure what happened to me was a rare occurrence indeed, and most dentists are very professional and friendly. But make sure you know your child’s dentist and are actively involved in his dental care.
Five Ways You Can Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
Kids with special needs are prone to dental problems. They often dislike brushing, or may be especially sensitive to toothbrushes, minty toothpaste, or having anything in their mouths. Some children with muscle disorders may find it difficult to grasp the toothbrush properly or to make the fine brushing motions necessary to keep teeth clean. Certain seizure medications may make teeth even more susceptible to decay. Without proper dental hygiene, your child can experience cavities, pain, infection, and tooth loss. It’s very important to make tooth brushing and flossing a regular part of your child’s life.
Here are five things you can do to help your child:
1. Provide fluoride supplements. If you don’t have fluoridated drinking water in your town, ask your dentist for tablets. The chewable variety with a mild flavor is more likely to be tolerated by your child. Providing fluoride daily is an excellent preventative step in warding off cavities.
2. Have your child pick his own toothpaste and toothbrush. Give your child several options and allow him or her to choose a toothbrush that is his favorite color, decorated with his favorite cartoon character, or “just because.” If you involve your child in selecting his “tools” for dental hygiene at home, he’s more likely to be a willing participant, and he’ll feel less threatened by the process.
3. Make tooth brushing a regular part of the child’s routine. For example, you can create a bedtime and morning routine that includes tooth brushing in a specific order or pattern. Bath time, pajamas on, brush teeth, story time, prayer or song, and bed would be a good example, especially because the tooth brushing is followed by a story. In time, the child would begin to predict the pattern and would endure brushing his teeth in order to get to the story which always follows.
4. Select a dentist who is willing to work with your child’s unique needs. A dentist who is specifically considered a “pediatric dentist” is more likely to be prepared for tantrums, refusals, and other problems. Some dentists use special techniques involving mild sedation which would help your child to feel calm and relaxed during examinations and other procedures. Your selection of a good dentist is crucial to your child’s dental health. Whenever possible, insist on being present for the procedure, especially if your child is being sedated.
5. Prepare your child for dental visits. Using floor time pretend play, use dolls or stuffed animals and simulate an experience at the dentist. Have your child participate in checking the doll’s teeth. Take your child to visit the dentist several days prior to the appointment and allow him or her to tour the office, sit in the chair, and meet the staff before the appointment time.
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.