Blog
Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for a young child. Sitting in a chair with a stranger who has all different kinds of metal instruments and probes can be nerve racking to say the least. Here are some ways to ease your child’s fear of the dentist.
1. Find a Dentist Who is Good with Kids
Your children need a dentist who knows how to talk to children. Ask your friends and family for a recommendation. Pediatric dentists are great with kids and often have fun offices that kids will love to visit!
2. Meet the Dentist Before
Before your child goes to their first appointment, have a meet and greet. Take your child to the dental office so they can get comfortable with their surrounding, even let them try out the chair!
3. Tell Your Child’s Dentist
Give your dentist fair warning if your child is feeling scared. They can prepare themselves and treat your child accordingly.
4. Explain the Importance of Oral Health
If your child understands how important it is to visit the dentist then it may placate their fear. Talk regularly and tell your children that even mommy’s and daddy’s have to go to the dentist twice a year.
5. Make Regular Visits
There are two advantages to visiting the dentist regularly. First, your child will get used to the office and will become less afraid over time. Second, your child will avoid more frightening procedure like receiving a filling.
6. Avoid Trigger Words
Don’t use words that might trigger fear in your child before the dentist. Avoid words like “hurt”, “freezing” or “shot” with your kids if you think it could make them more anxious.
7. Don’t Watch These Movies
For some reason there are a host of scary movies based around the dentist. So don’t let your children watch The Dentist, Marathon Man, and Darkness Falls.
