3 Tips To Help Your Child Overcome A Fear Of The Dentist

Dentist Blog

Very few people enjoy going to the dentist's office, but the experience can be especially traumatizing for a young child who is not used to it. If you have a child who is scared of the dentist's office or will be making the trip for the first time in the near future, follow this advice to help them keep their emotions under control.

Choose Your Words Carefully

If taking a child to the dentist for the first time, explain the situation to them in simple terms. Giving out too many details could lead to your child asking a lot of questions that can produce unneeded anxiety. Talk with the dentist in advance about the best way to talk about the process with your child. Above all, stay positive and avoid talking about negative things like cavities or having to go under the drill.

Play Dentist Before The Visit So Your Child Gets Comfortable With the Idea

Young children love to play make-believe games. The next time your child wants to play 'house' or another similar role-play with you, suggest instead that you have a new, fun game you want them to try. You can pretend to be a dentist and check up on your child's teeth. You can also have them do the same for you. Children can be scared sometimes of things they are not familiar with, but if you take the time to get them acquainted with the dentist office experience, they will likely not be as worried when it's time for the real thing.

Make Oral Hygiene A Top Daily Priority

One of the best ways to get your child ready for the family dentist's office or maybe even looking forward to the visit is to make oral hygiene a big part of their everyday life. Get into the habit of brushing your teeth alongside your child, and make it a high-energy, exciting part of the day. With practice, your child may even look forward to cleaning their teeth. You can then frame a dentist's office visit as an opportunity where the child can show the doctor what a great job they've been doing with their teeth.

Fear of the dentist is something that even some adults have to deal with, but it can be especially frightening for a small child who is not used to the experience. Contact a local pediatric dentist, such as Kids First Pediatric Dentistry, for more tips and advice.

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