What can I do after the dental visit?
Overview
This section will focus on what you can do after the dental visit. You can visit here for guidance on how to prepare before the dental visit. You can visit here to find out what you can do during the appointment.
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Supporting your child following a dental appointment is important, especially if they are upset or their behaviour has changed after a dental visit. It is common for children to feel overwhelmed or overstimulated after such experiences. Listen to parents and professionals (some with lived experience) talk about helpful tips you can consider after taking your child to the dentist.
Supporting your child after the dental visit
Going to the dentist tips from parents and professionals
Other helpful tips
Thinking about your appointment as one part of a 24-hour period in which your child is experiencing other inputs which can heighten, calm and regulate can help you plan for before, during and after the visit. Here’s how:
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Decompress, rest and restore
Some parents have found it helpful to first allow their child to decompress. Ask the dental practice in advance if there is a quiet space on site if you need to take some time before leaving. If a follow up appointment is required, it may be helpful to agree that you will arrange this over the phone later, allowing you to focus fully on helping your child to decompress after the appointment. You may find it helpful to give your child unhurried space and time in a low demand, familiar environment with reduced sensory input as soon as possible after leaving your appointment. Your child may need you quietly nearby in the same room or want space on their own whilst they rest and recharge. Try to use less words and short clear sentences when verbal communication is needed. Some children will seek physical contact, and others may be overly heightened by your touch – try to follow your child’s lead.
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Some families have found a warm bath or shower helpful as a decompression zone for children who love being in water. Others have found that lying on the grass watching the movement of trees, plants and clouds is the most calming place to be, or if they can't be outside, a space by a window looking out at nature.
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Being in a quiet, small safe space can be helpful. You might want to reduce the light, provide favourite lighting (e.g. LED fairy lights), a soft blanket, cushions, a favourite toy etc. Examples of spaces include a den behind the settee, a pop-up tent (covered with a blanket or dark sheet if it needs to be darker), blackout tent or a large cardboard box, a den created under a mid-rise bed, inside a play tunnel or a Wendy house. Some children find extra calm from squeezing into a small space which provides needed deep pressure.
Think about your own stress
Dental appointments can be very stressful for parents and carers, and you may have your own anxieties about visiting the dentist. Try to practice strategies that help you reach and maintain as calm a state as possible to help your child co-regulate after the visit.
Offer some sensory support
Be ready with familiar, calming strategies that currently work most of the time for your child and take what you need with you to your appointment. Allow for at least 2-3 options which may need to be different from the ones you use during the procedure, depending on your child’s preferences. A few examples include:
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Find a safe space for immediately after the appointment. If your child uses a buggy, the pressure of the harness can be calming, pulling down the hood could make it darker and less overwhelming, or they might want to curl up in a ball inside it for comfort.
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Find space for your child’s preferred stims. Stims can help your child feel regulated and calm. Many parents feel judged and self-conscious if their child is stimming, so having explained these to the dental team in advance can be helpful.
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Block unwanted sounds, by using ear defenders or favourite music and headphones.
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Allow them to hide inside a soft, comfy hoodie. The hood can help muffle sound, block some light and give a familiar touch sensation.
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Allow them to tightly squeeze or hug a soft toy or cushion. Some children like to bury their face in a small pillow, soft toy or a soft piece of their parent’s clothing with familiar, safe smell.
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Allow them to snuggle up in a favourite blanket with the ‘just right’ texture.
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Block out the light. If your child can tolerate head wear or glasses, try a peaked cap, sun hat and/or sunglasses to block some light on the onward journey. If you are in a car, a car window shade can be helpful.
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Offer a favourite and fascinating visual object to focus on – this might be a toy, sparkly reversible sequins or your phone for example.
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Consider distraction with a fidget toy. If this also provides deep pressure through the movements of their hands, this can be extra soothing. If your child finds vibration calming and already uses this as a strategy, you might want to include this.
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If your child uses oral stims, check with your dentist beforehand if a chew tool is safe after their procedure. An alternative might be sucking on a cold, damp flannel.
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Offer a new toy or novelty item, as a distraction. You might link this to their sensory preferences, for example, a mini fan, a new fidget, a light up wand, or a small scented plushie that can be held on the journey to your next destination.
It may be helpful to avoid shops or errands after your appointment and to plan in a favourite activity after low demand down time.
Praise your child
Positive reinforcement is helpful for helping children feel comfortable during dental visits. Reward your child for their bravery and cooperation with small treats, extra playtime, or verbal praise. Reassure your child and give plenty of praise, reinforcing how well they did during the appointment. Highlighting their successes, no matter how small, can boost their confidence and make future visits less daunting. Let them know you understand how hard it was and that you are proud of their effort.
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When doing this, think about the phrases you may say. Some children may associate your words directly with the dental experience. For example, when dental care goes well, a child may be unaware of specific steps, such as receiving an injection. Try to use the same language as the dental team, rather than saying, "You did really well with the injection, that needle was so long." This approach helps maintain a positive association with the dentist and reduces any potential anxiety about the details of the visit.
Monitor their behaviour
Keep an eye on your child's behaviour and comfort level over the next few days. Sometimes, children might need extra support if they experience discomfort or anxiety after treatment. If necessary, consult the dentist for advice on managing any post-treatment pain or issues.
Some parents have told us that after a tooth extraction, the structure of the mouth can feel different, which may take time to get used to and can disrupt eating behaviours. This adjustment period can take a few weeks as your child gets used to the new sensations and physical changes in their mouth. The things that your child is able to eat and drink after a dental procedure might change. It may be beneficial to anticipate this in advance of the dental treatment where possible, and consider beginning to introduce these foods and drinks into weeks before the planned treatment so that your child is able to tolerate them afterwards.
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Be patient and supportive, and don't hesitate to seek additional guidance from your dentist if needed.