WORD POWER!
Happy “Tooth-Day”!!
Farah Flossit here,…reporting & wishing you well:)
The words we use to communicate can be very powerful! Using the right words to help our children understand can help & even change the outlook of any challenging or uncertain situation. Using kid-friendly words to substitute dental terminology can provide an effective sense of understanding. For example, saying “tooth counting” instead of “examination” can be a more nurturing way to create a positive attitude toward an essential part of a child’s dental visit. Explaining that the dentist helps keep their teeth happy & healthy, will help them feel at ease. Tell your kids that we will be very gentle when we look in their mouths to “count & tickle” their teeth. After all, going to the dentist should be fun, not scary or intimidating, especially here at Casa Smiles http://www.casasmiles.com/, a FUN & FRIENDLY dental office! So let’s avoid using big & intimidating words like needle, shot, drill or pull when discussing their visit to the dentist. When you are chatting with your child about their next visit to the dentist, it is really important to let him or her know what to expect. Depending on the reason for your next visit, below you will find alternate words that can empower you to help your child see their next visit a positive one.
*USE* *INSTEAD OF*
TEETH COUNTING EXAMINATION
TOOTH PICTURE X-RAY
TICKLING TEETH CLEANING
MR. THIRSTY SUCTION
TOOTH VITAMINS FLUORIDE
SUGAR BUGS CAVITIES
MAGIC AIR/ICE CREAM AIR NITROUS OXIDE
WHITE PLAY-DOH FILLINGS
WIGGLE A TOOTH EXTRACTION
MS. PIGGY’S NOSE NITROUS MASK
TOOTH SHOWER WATER RINSE
CAMERA X-RAY UNIT
SLEEPY GEL TOPICAL ANESTHETIC
Use your child’s likes & preferences to help them become more interested in their dental health. Does your little girl like Frozen? Does you little guy like super heroes? Is Monsters Inc. a household favorite? Let them identify with the characters they love!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/387450374168862621/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/364228688590167238/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/542754192565177288/
I would love to hear if any of you moms & dads use any other “fun” or “positive” terminology with your little ones to help them understand & love going to the dentist. Here is a link to a “happy video” you can share with your kids about the dentist & brushing https://www.pinterest.com/pin/453526624950000824/. Together we can encourage our kids to have a bright & enthusiastic outlook on dental care for years to come In today’s discussion, we are using this “word power” concept to facilitate an enjoyable visit to the denist, but carefully choosing the right words to create a positive & relaxing mind set can be helpful in our everyday lives. Helping those around us feel calm & comfortable, promotes happiness & eliminates anxiety. Joy & smiles are contagious, so spread kindness by using the power of positive words & keep smiling:)
I look forward to chatting with you all next week!
In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.
Your Friend,
Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)
