It is completely normal for children to have some fear or anxiety about the dentist. While some anxiety is normal, you may wonder, why do kids fear the dentist? How to help them overcome it and help your child feel prepared and confident is important. Consider the following tips before your child’s next dentist appointment.
Why Do Kids Fear the Dentist? How to Help Them Overcome It
Anxiety about the dentist is pretty normal as many people experience it. Roughly 9% of the population dreads going to the dentist. So, it makes sense why children may not like going to the dentist. Whether it’s having things in their mouth, the sounds, and even the smells, the dentist can be overwhelming in the beginning. Consider the following tips to ensure your child overcomes their dental fear.
Begin Early:
It is recommended that children see the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or when they turn 1 (whichever comes first). This is helpful as you can get them used to the dentist before they can develop any fear or anxiety around the appointment. Familiarizing your child with the sounds, sights, and feelings that come with a dental visit can be highly beneficial for their long-term oral health.
Find A Pediatric Dentist:
Pediatric dentists are not only skilled in pediatric dentistry, but they know how to work with children’s unique complexities. Children can be energetic, scared, excited, and even cry during their appointment. A pediatric dentist in Cerritos is well aware of the ways in which children can respond during their dental appointment, and how to manage those big emotions accordingly.
Be Clear, But Brief:
Avoid providing too much information. Give them age appropriate information about their dental visit. Let them know what will happen (x-rays, cleaning, oral exam) and how long it will take. This can help them feel somewhat in control on the day of their appointment.
Read Dental Books:
Find a fun book about going to the dentist that is age appropriate. It is even better if you can find a book about their favorite character going to the dentist. Reading this well in advance before they go to the dentist can help build a strong sense of familiarity once it’s their turn to go to the general dentist in Cerritos.
Field Trip:
One way to get your child familiar with the dentist’s office is to go there. Talk with the receptionist and see if you can swing by before the appointment to familiarize your child with the office. Most pediatric dental offices have child-friendly waiting rooms that can get your child excited to get to their dentist appointment early!
Stay Calm and Relax:
If your child is worried about the dentist, stay calm. Avoid getting flustered or anxious yourself as it can rub off on your child. Additionally, utilize relaxation techniques to help your child calm down. Deep breathing and listening to soothing sounds on the way there can be really helpful.
Positive Reinforcement:
While some parents may use bribery, try and use positive reinforcement to encourage your child before and after their dental appointment. This can help build their confidence and self-esteem, in addition to helping them feel better about their next dental appointment. While bribes aren’t something you want to begin using, you can schedule something your child can look forward to after their appointment to help keep their spirits up.
Educate Them:
Helping your child feel comfortable at the dentist can take some effort. Let your child know the importance of their oral health and how the dentist can help keep them healthy. This can help them understand why they need to go to their appointment and stay consistent with their daily oral care routine.
