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8 Ways to Eliminate Your Child's Fear of the Dentist
- 1. 8 Ways to Eliminate Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist Teach your child that going to the dentist can be fun!
- 2. 1. Choose your words wisely. Try not to use the word “shot” or “pain” or “hurt” when you’re talking about the dentist. Instead, tell your child that the dentist and his staff are going to check your child’s smile and look for “sugar bugs” to clean off.
- 3. 2. Don’t take her to the dentist with you. Some parents think it’s a good idea to take their younger children with them to the dentist to help them get used to the office and atmosphere. The sounds of the dental tools, and even your own anxiety, can end up making your child feel nervous and anxious about the dentist.
- 4. 3. Keep your explanation simple. When trying to describe to your child what a dentist appointment is like, don’t include too many details. As stated in the first slide, it’s better to just say that you get your teeth cleaned and counted. Talking about cavities and fillings may cause unnecessary anxiety.
- 5. 4. Do a pretend visit first. Before the dentist appointment, grab a toothbrush and do a pretend dentist visit. With you as the dentist and her as the patient, you can show your child there’s nothing to worry about. Show her how the dentist might check her teeth. Give her a good teeth-brushing lesson while you’re at it.
- 6. 5. Go to a pediatric dentist. Make sure you take your child to a pediatric dentist or a family dentist that has had experience working with kids. If you don’t, you risk taking her to a dentist that isn’t friendly to kids and that is going to make your child uncomfortable.
- 7. 6. Have the dentist do an introduction. As soon as you take your child to the appointment, formally introduce her to the dentist. Then, the dentist can show her the office, the tools, and staff to help her feel more comfortable. The more familiar she is with her surroundings, the less anxious she’ll feel.
- 8. 7. Take a photo of her teeth. Once the appointment is over and her teeth are clean, have your child give you a big smile. Snap a picture of her pearly whites and put the picture up on your fridge at home. Doing this will show her that going to the dentist will help her feel good about her smile and teeth.
- 9. 8. Do something fun afterwards. Plan to do something fun after your child’s first dentist appointment, but don’t tell her about it. Let it be a surprise. Whether it’s playing at the park or going to a friend’s house, doing something fun will help relieve some of the tension she may have felt while at the appointment.
- 10. Visit McBride Family Dental Today If you’re looking for an excellent family dentist who works well with children of all ages, book an appointment with Dr. Robert McBride of McBride Family Dental. He will help your child feel as comfortable as possible at her first dentist appointment. We at McBride Family Dental also have a blog that anyone can read to learn tips about dental hygiene. To book an appointment with Dr. McBride today, contact us by calling 303-466-2221 or by visiting www.mcbridefamilydental.com.