I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
When your child gets fillings for the very first time, the experience is very different from when an adult gets a filling. This is due to the fact that children aren't as compliant as most adults when it comes to fillings because they are often scared and unsure. Because of this, the dentist does all that they can to make sure that they are comfortable. As a parent, it is important that you are as prepared as possible for your child to get their first fillings. Here are two tips that will help you to feel prepared.
Know What To Expect When Your Child Is Sedated
A lot of parents don't know what to expect when their child is sedated because it isn't something that they have experienced before. However, if you are more prepared for it, then you will be able to cope much better mentally. Your child will either be sedated in the waiting room while you are holding them, or back in the dental chair. This often depends on if there are other appointments and patients in the waiting area and where your child will feel the most comfortable. After your child has been given the sedative, via a shot in the arm, it will take a small amount of time before they are sedated and unaware of what is going on. During this time you can hold them and/or sit right next to them. This helps both you and child feel more comfortable. Once your child is sedated completely, this is when the dental work will begin.
Be Prepared For Things You Need To Do Post-Procedure
Once the procedure is over, there are still things that you need to remember. When you have dental work done as an adult, and your mouth is numbed, it can sometimes be difficult not to bite your cheek or your lip because you can't feel it. This is the case with children as well, however, many of them don't fully understand the repercussions of biting their lips and cheeks. It is important that you tell them not to bite any areas where their mouth is numb because they will feel the pain later.
Also, they will likely be a bit off balance for the rest of the day due to the sedative, so it is important that you monitor them closely and make sure that they don't fall and hurt themselves. It is often best to keep them laying or sitting down.
By knowing what to expect when your child is sedated and preparing for what needs to be done post-procedure, you can feel confident that you are prepared for your child to receive their first filling.
Share23 February 2018
