It’s natural for children to have some fears about going to the dentist, especially if they have never been before. Parental actions influence how well your child handles the stress of a dental visit.
Children can do well in a dentist’s office if they’re prepped before the visit. There are 8 tips to help kids overcome a fear of dentists.
Start early.
Dentists recommend bringing your child in for their first exam when their baby teeth start coming in when they are about six months old. They should have a dental visit before they are 1 year old regardless of how many baby teeth are in.
Young children don’t have the fears of bigger kids. Taking them to a dentist early gets them accustomed to the visit so it’s no big deal as they grow. It’s just another dental visit.
Talk to them first.
Children who are slightly older and communicating may wonder why they have to go to the dentist and what is going to happen at the office. That can cause anxiety. A way to reduce fears is to explain to them what is going to happen and what to expect. Be honest and tell them about the loud noises of the equipment and the types of tools that may be used. Be factual and answer questions but do it without emotion. Just share the facts.
It’s also good to talk to them about the benefits of seeing a dentist like preventing cavities and helping keep a nice smile.
Role play.
Role-playing at the dentist’s office can be a fun way to lessen fears. Have your child sit in a chair and pretend to be the dentist. Then, you sit in the chair and let your child pretend. This helps them understand what a dental visit is like and helps them bond with the dentist.
Find a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists are more fun than dentists who treat adults. They know how to talk to children, answer their questions, and explain things to them. Additionally, pediatric dental offices are more exciting with brighter colors, games, and even special treats like ice cream.
Visit the dental office and meet the dentist.
Many pediatric dentists offer an in-person consultation before scheduling an exam. This is where the parent and child tour the office, meet the staff, and talk to the dentist. This will dispel the mystery of what the office and dentist are like, easing fears.
Give them a sense of control.
Children become anxious when they feel like they have no control. That is understandable because adults are always in charge. Giving them something to choose gives them a sense of control. It could be a choice of which pediatric dentist they like better or when to schedule the appointment. Let them choose the color of the toothbrush or the toothpaste you buy. This gets them involved in their oral healthcare, makes it important to them, and puts them more at ease about dental visits.
Be positive.
Parents unknowingly transfer their fears to their kids. A child who sees their parent nervous about going to the dentist or anxious about making an appointment for their child will be more fearful.
Maintain a positive attitude about going to the dentist, even if you have to fake it to cover your fears. Help your child see it as a fun experience that makes their mouth feel better.
Positively reinforce their courage.
Positively reinforcing how well your child does while in the dental chair encourages them to act the same during the next visit. Tell them you are proud of them. Ask them if anything was scary and tell them they are brave to overcome that fear.
It’s normal to have some fears about the dentist. Parents can address children’s fears by taking a proactive approach by talking about it, showing children how a visit will be, and allowing them to ask questions. We are here to help. Contact us for information or to schedule a consultation.
