Going to the Dentist is one of the most important trips that a parent can take with their kids. The time of your visit will dictate if you get anything to eat beforehand. If you’re especially nervous about going through dental procedures, it is highly recommended to maintain an empty belly just to prevent getting nauseous from the dentist chair. For this reason, it’s strongly recommended for parents to be prepared by having enough food in their tummy to last till the entire visit. Below are some helpful tips that will help you prepare your children for their trip to the Dentist.
Dental Hygiene Tips for Parents: It is highly recommended that you talk with your kids regarding their oral health and the importance of visiting the dentist regularly. In fact, most kids would be more than happy to inform their parents about their oral hygiene and what kinds of dental problems they are facing. However, while talking to your kids, you need to make sure that they aren’t making fun of the doctor or the procedure. Instead, try to impart to them that the dentist is only there to help them maintain their teeth and keep their mouths healthy. Most kids are more than willing to listen and learn as long as you make sure that you are serious about talking to them about dental issues.
Flu pandemic preparation: Experts are warning that a worrying flu pandemic could hit us anytime between now and next April. That said, it is highly recommended that we start preparing ourselves for a flu pandemic now. This way, we will be able to protect ourselves and our family members against possible complications that can come from the disease. Flu vaccination and maintenance of good hygiene are two essential components to being prepared for any flu outbreaks. Here are a few things to do for pandemic preparation:
Brush your teeth and gums regularly. Flu vaccination strengthens your body’s defenses against the flu virus. This is why it is so important to visit your dentist regularly – to brush your teeth and gums, to remove plaque, and to get regular cleanings. Regular check-ups should also include flossing and dental examinations, just to be on the safe side.
Arrange for your dental visit ahead of time. Many people, especially students, cannot make their dental appointments on a rotary basis, because they have to attend their classes during the day. You might want to ask your child if he/she can change their plans – perhaps at the last minute if needed. It is also best to set up an appointment a couple of weeks in advance to allow you enough time to prepare for the visit, as well as to research treatment options and the hospital’s reputation. Many dentists recommend that their patients arrange their appointments for thirty days in advance to allow ample time for getting all of their paperwork ready, arranging for the patient to travel, and for the dentist to prepare and/or deliver the appropriate treatment.
Arrange for the right cleaning appointment. Some people suffer from mild to moderate anxiety when they go to the dentist. Try to find a dentist who uses the same staff every time. Some dentists are known for emphasizing the importance of a clean and efficient dental office, which may be why they offer a cleaning appointment for all of their patients. Other dentists who seem to work well with patients and who do not require anxiety-relieving measures may simply schedule the appointment for extra, less-than-luxuriant cleaning.
Plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled dental appointment. In some cases, such as those where you need a filling or root canal, it is okay to arrive up to one hour early. Remember that having a dentist appointment is very important to obtaining the most out of the dental office visit. If you do not make an appointment, it may take several visits before you can finally get in to see your dentist. An extended wait will only lead to more stress and possible tooth decay.
Try to plan a regular dental visit. For many people, seeing the dentist at least once a year is sufficient. However, if you have chronic dental anxiety, scheduling appointments on a monthly basis or even weekly could be helpful in lessening this condition. Many people find that going to the dentist about two or three times per year helps them reduce the frequency and severity of these attacks.