Pediatric Dentistry / Psychological Approach for Children & Teenagers:
Familiarity! Safety! Trust!
The best age for the child to visit the dentist for the first time is around the age of two. The first visit has two basic aims:
- the psychological approach for the child or teenager and
- the development of a relationship of trust between the dentist and the parents
Approaching small children:
At the VSmile Piraeus dental surgery, the dentist and orthodontist talk to children using specific terminology and a stable tone of voice, so that the child can overcome any possible fears they may have, to familiarize themselves with the clinic and the tools and to discover that nothing will cause pain.
Using toys, drawings and the most modern and safe psychological methods, we become friend and continually reward good behaviour.
when a child feels safe, the learn to trust us and then become a very cooperative patient, and this will continue on as they grow not only through childhood but also in adulthood!
The psychological approach for teenagers is done discreetly and carefully, as the teenage period is one that is characterised by many psychological and emotional fluctuations, with a vast range of behaviours and outbursts.
In a clear and decisive way we explain to the teenager that they have not come to the dentist in order for us to judge thier oral hygiene state but to help them have a healthy and beautiful smile, strong teeth and nice breath - things that will not only help in their voerall health but will also raise their self esteem in social relationships, espcially those with the opposite sex.
We leave the parents in the waiting room, and inform them regarding all of the health issues reagrding the mouth that can occur with the dangerous habits often adopted by teenagers. For example, smoking, alcohol, piercings in various parts of the mouth and damaging dietary habits and non-safe sexual activities.
recession of the gum from a piercing
Throughout the discussion we give the teenagers the freedom to anything they would like regarding any of these diseases, something they might never ask their parents about because they are embarassed or afraid, or frightened of the reaction they will have or even that the parents don't have the encessary knowledge on the subject. The teenagers soon discover that we are working together on the subject of oral hygiene, and that they can trust us anytime they need to ask anything.
Building a relationship of trust with the parents:
During the check-up, the parents are initially present in the examination room to give us the necessary information regarding the medical history of the child. This also give them the chance to see in reality how well the child responds to the exam.
The parents quickly realise that the knowledge, technology and mentality of the dentist has greatly changed from when they were children, and as such may have been through a traumatic experience at the dentist! This helps us build a relationship of trust so that the next time the parents can wait calmly int he waiting room until the child has finished with their appoitment.
Contact the VSmile dental clinic to learn about:
- which words and phrases to avoid so that the child is not frightened of the dentist
- what you need to tell the child before the first visit
- ideas to make oral hygiene fun!
- how to change the dietary habits of children
- how we should inform our teenagers about various disease they can contract orally with kissing and sexual activities and how to prevent them
Learn more about pediatric dentistry by clicking on the links below:
Contact VSmile Dental Clinic
WE'LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR SMILE!
Stamataki Vassiliki, DDS / Dental Surgeon Piraeus Dentistry Association
Kountouriotou 149-151, Peiraias Centre Dimotiko Theatro / 2104120029 / stamataki@vsmile.gr
Cosmetic, Reconstructive & Athletic Dental Surgeon - Smile Design / Implants
Pain Management / Preventative Care for adults, children, the disabled, the pregnant, athletes
Remote Dentistry / Dental Services for all areas of Piraeus, Attica, villages, islands, overseas
Stamataki Vassiliki, DDS / dental clinic / vsmile / Greece
