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Developmental milestones
Developmental milestones
Although there are no official milestones set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Gazdeck believes most children
can sit in the dental chair independently (not in an adult's lap) by three
can take bite wing x-rays for cavity detection around four-five years, but definitely by the time the back molars are touching
can cooperate for simple dental treatment (e.g., filling) without sedation by 10
Parent resource 9.mp4social stories
social stories
short narratives that help children understand concepts, establish routines, develop skills, and demonstrate appropriate behaviors
Download and share the social story below with your child prior to their appointment to make them aware of what will happen, decrease apprehension, and encourage adaptive behavior!
Social Story for Routine Apt.pdfRoutine appointment
books and videos
books and videos
Books and videos that portray children's characters having a positive experience at the dentist can reduce fear and familiarize children with the sequence of events and dental tools. Click on the buttons below to view or purchase
Books that teach children about teeth in a creative or simple way can stimulate interest in going to the dentist. Check out my favorites:
emotions
emotions
it is normal for children to be apprehensive or anxious about a dental appointment, especially if
it is the child's first visit
it is the child's first visit after dental treatment (fillings or extractions)
the child has not been to the dentist in >6 months or does not have memories of their last visit
first memories form around 3-4 years, so a child in this age range feels like they are going to the dentist for the first time
Emotions that are not managed in healthy ways can interfere with the dental assistants' ability to thoroughly clean your child's teeth, Dr. Gazdeck's ability to detect cavities, and your child's safety during dental treatment
Strategies to Assist in Managing Your Child's Emotions
Strategies to Assist in Managing Your Child's Emotions
Help your child identify how they feel about their upcoming dental appointment
show pictures of children with different facial expressions and have your child point to the one that corresponds to their emotion
use an emotion wheel (see photo)
use the inside and outside worksheet to determine emotion based on thoughts and the emotion's presentation in the body (e.g., fast heartbeat, upset stomach)
Validate your child's emotions, as all emotions serve a purpose
"I can see how upset you are" "I understand why you feel this way" "It's okay to feel _____"
"Thank you for telling me that you feel _____"
Talk about the positives of going to the dentist
strong and healthy teeth for eating our favorite foods
keeps out teeth clean to get braces
keeps our teeth clean to talk with our friends when playing
Teach positive affirmations to build self-confidence
"I am safe" "I am brave" "I can do this"
Breathing and mindfulness
balloon/belly breaths: Have your child put their hands on their belly and pretend it is a balloon. Tell them to put air in their noise to fill the balloon as big as they can and then slowly deflate the balloon from their mouth.
pursed lip breathing: Tell your child to smell the flowers (breathe in through nose) and blow out a candle gently (breathe out through mouth)
squash the worry bug: Help your child look for "worry bugs" on their body. Pull them off and squash them with your shoes together.
bubble bounce video
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