Many things can make your child feel nervous when at a dental clinic, from the sound of machines and equipment to dental materials and past bad dental experiences. Since your kid may not trust the dentist and the staff at the clinic, you, as a parent, can help them feel comfortable and relaxed.
Discover some tips to help your kid overcome their fears.
Though your child will visit the dentist when their teeth start growing, prepare them for the dental visit some months before. The number one preparation is to teach your kids proper oral hygiene habits at a tender age and make them understand the importance of dental health. Have conversations about the importance of healthy teeth and the habits that keep teeth healthy, including regular dental checkups.
You can also have a mock dental visit with your kid to show them how the dentist will check their teeth at the clinic. For toddlers, you can act as the dentist, as they are often too young to understand what would happen at a dental clinic.
On the other hand, play the patient and let your child act as the dentist if they have visited a dentist before. Stay calm throughout the process to display what the dentist expects from a patient.
Since kids emulate their parents' behaviors, tell your kids when you go to the dentist for a checkup. Also, explain to them what a dental checkup is and that they will also go for a checkup one day.
If you go to the dentist with your kid, let them interact with the dentist and other staff at the clinic. The friendly interactions at the clinic can make them more courageous when their turn to visit comes.
Communication is crucial when preparing your kid for a dental visit. During the discussion, let the kid ask all the questions they might have about dental visits and answer them with a smile. However, don't overshare about the procedure and what to expect, as you may cause unnecessary anxiety.
Also, don't give false hope if your kid seems aware of what to expect when at the dentist. For example, if the child has a severely damaged tooth and asks whether the dentist will remove it, tell them the truth instead of saying everything will be fine. However, don't use words like pain, hurt, injection, and any other word that could scare them.
While they can make your child remember to brush and floss their teeth, statements like the dentist will remove your teeth if you don't brush them could increase your child's fear of the dentist. Instead, use other forms of encouragement like a fancy toothbrush and stories about the benefits of healthy teeth.
Since the unfamiliar environment at the dental clinic might make your child uncertain, consider carrying something that will redirect their focus as they wait to see the dentist. Toys are effective at distracting kids and reducing their anxiety. However, communicate with the clinic before to know their policy about toys.
You can help your kid trust your dentist for a flawless dental visit with proper preparation. Use the tips above to help your child see dental visits as harmless, routine oral health procedures.
At Family Dental Care of Wilmington, we boast a team of experienced dentists dedicated to helping clients of all ages maintain their bright, confident smiles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
