What to Do if Your Child Is Afraid of the Dentist

Did you know that over 60% of adults are too scared of the dentist to book an appointment?

While it’s understandable why dentists can cause a lot of anxiety, the truth is regular cleanings are essential for our overall health. Since oral hygiene impacts the rest of our body, going in for checkups can help you thrive.

If you’re a parent who has a child who’s afraid of the dentist, it’s in their best interest to help ease their fears. Keep reading to learn 5 tips that will help your child have pearly whites their whole life.

1. Try Finding a Dentist Who’s Great With Kids

While any dentist is experienced enough to take care of anyone’s teeth, some dentists are known to work with children more than others. You can try searching for pediatric dentists near you, read through valuable resources on the internet like https://www.parkcrossingdentistry.com/services/pediatric-dentistry/ for gaining dental service insights, or ask for recommendations from any trusted loved ones. Choosing a dentist who will be kind and warm with your child like Guru Dentistry in Irvie, will help them build trust and a sense of security.

2. Have a Meet and Greet Before the Appointment

Visiting the dentist is scary if you don’t know what’s coming, which is why a casual meet and greet can help eliminate the fear of the unknown. Their dentist can say hello, show them around the office, and talk to them about oral hygiene without doing any work on their smile. Once your child feels relaxed around their dentist, their next visit will be easier, even when the tools come out.

3. Stay With Your Child to Give Comfort

There’s nothing more reassuring than having your mom or dad by your side when you’re facing your fears. If you stick by your child throughout the entire appointment, they’ll feel more open to communicate their needs and stay strong. Pay attention to their body language as well, so you know when to speak up on their behalf.

4. Bring Entertainment Along

The sound of a drill can make even the toughest person flinch. If you want to protect your child from any unpleasant sounds, try bringing along some headphones so they can listen to their favorite music or watch a movie. To get more tips on creating a pleasant dental experience, you can read more here.

5. Give Lots of Praise

Going to the dentist is a lot easier when you feel rewarded after. Make sure you tell your child how proud you are and how brave they are for their accomplishment. Not many people love going to the dentist, but your praise can help make this chore more tolerable.

Now You Know What to Do If Your Child Is Afraid of the Dentist

Being afraid of the dentist is normal, but that shouldn’t stop us from taking care of our oral health. If you help your child conquer their fear at a young age, you’ll inspire them to create healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Do you want to know other ways you can grow and thrive as a family? Stick around so you can browse the rest of our blog and discover more amazing guides and tips.