Every week I see a child come to the dentist many times for the first time or for the first time they need some treatment other than a cleaning.
They are terrified, Why they never had any treatment before? Where did the get the idea dentistry is painful when previously all they had were cleanings that were painless?
A parent, usually a dad, or grandparent thought it would be funny to tease the child about, 'the dentist is going to pull out all your teeth, I can do it for you I'll get a pliers'. When if fact all I am doing is a simple filling no tooth pulling involved.
I understand teasing and kidding and having fun, but a child most times does not know the difference.
The child comes into the office and is anticipating pain.
The treatment is difficult for everybody. The child may have a 'bad dental memory' due to, not the treatment but due to the anticipation of pain, teased about by a parent, grand-parent or older sibiliy.
Please be truthful with children, dentistry is not painful unless you want or anticipate it to be. Regular care prevents painful incidents.
Yes, sometimes there may be discomfort but I make every effort to make the dental experience as pleasant as possible. Please help me, help your child do not tease the child about dental care.
THANK YOU.
