Tips to Ease Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist

Going to the dentist can be scary for a little one; however, it doesn’t have to hurt! If you give your kids the right dose of preventative care and you help them feel comfortable with the dentist at a young age, they will grow up with a healthy smile they can share with confidence.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that 35% of children have dental anxiety and fear. Dental anxiety, if left untreated, may result in missed dental appointments and poor oral health. As a parent, you should help your child overcome their fear of the dentist.

Here are some ways you can start building a foundation of trust with your child early on.

• Schedule their appointment right after school or right when they get home, so they aren’t thinking about any scary dentist-related things before or after they visit.
• Bring them in for routine cleaning to get them used to the sounds and smells of a dentist’s office and help them associate it with something positive like clean teeth.
• Let them sit in on your appointments so they can see what it’s like to go to the dentist and how gentle they are with patients.
• Always answer their questions in a calm manner about what will happen at their appointment, so they are prepared and never surprised.
• Avoid using words like “pain” or “hurt” when describing their needs at the dentist. Instead, say things like “the tooth will be cleaned,” “we will remove the bacteria,” and so on. This helps them understand that while they may be in a little bit of discomfort, it won’t last forever, and it will be worth it in the long run.
• Come up with a reward system that helps motivate them during their appointment, so they know what to expect. For example, if they sit still for the entire procedure, they can earn a sticker to put in their book bag, or if they brush their teeth twice a day for a month, they get a toy they’ve been wanting.
• Tell them what you’re going to do before you do it so they have time to respond if something is wrong. This shows them that you care about their feelings and are listening to what they have to say.
• Make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene habits at home so you can show them the importance of a healthy mouth.

It’s important to establish a good relationship with your child early to help them feel comfortable about dental visits and to help put their mind at ease when it’s time for treatment. The earlier you help your children get familiar with dental care, the better! 

To learn more, visit Mission Creek Family Dentistry at 9460 Cuyamaca St #101, Santee, CA 92071. Contact us at (619) 596-1128 or schedule an appointment online.