Dealing With a Child’s Dental Fears

Getting children to visit the dentist as early as possible is essential.

Getting teeth checked is crucial for kids, as it can help them maintain their oral hygiene and prevent cavities. However, a visit to the dentist can be a frightening experience for them. In addition to the usual instruments and noises that accompany a visit to the dentist, there are other objects in the room that kids might find alarming. As they develop and their teeth start to fall out, children will often visit the dentist numerous times before kindergarten. Here are some tips on keeping them calm in the dentist’s office.

Start them young

Getting children to visit the dentist as early as possible is essential, as it will allow them to develop a personalized care plan. According to a pediatric dentist, it’s best to start these visits when the first tooth becomes visible - which is around a year old.

Keep things casual

When preparing for a visit, avoid giving children too many details about where they are going. Doing so could cause the child to have more questions and get anxious. Maintain a positive attitude and keep things light and fun. Avoid telling kids that nothing will hurt and everything will be okay. If they require treatment, they may not trust that a follow-up visit will go well.

Use gentle words

Instead of using words that might frighten children, like “hurt” or “pain,” ask the staff to introduce kids to non-threatening vocabulary. Doing so will help them deal with difficult situations. For instance, tell them that the dentist is looking for sugar bugs that might be in their teeth.

One helpful trick that parents can use for their kids’ dental health is to tell them that they’ll check their smiles and count their teeth. This is an effective method to make the visit seem fun and upbeat.

Plan a pretend visit

Before a child’s first dental visit:

• Take turns playing the role of the patient and dentist.

• Get a toothbrush and begin counting her teeth to give a sense of what to expect at the dental clinic.

• Show the child how the dentist would look at the teeth by holding up a mirror.

• Let the child pretend to clean doll’s or stuffed animal’s teeth using a toothbrush.

This activity helps reinforce the child’s confidence in the dental care routine. Children’s picture books with easy-to-understand language and detailed illustrations can also help them understand what to expect when visiting the dentist.

Trust the pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists are well trained in handling kids and the anxiety they might feel during a dental visit. Allow the dentist to take the lead, and they will be sure to put the child at ease.

If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!