4 Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist
Going to the dentist can be a scary experience, especially for young children. The buzzing of machines, the sharp-looking dental tools, and even the smells can all be overwhelming, so it’s no wonder children often develop a fear of the dentist. That being said, as a parent, there are a few things you can do to help your child overcome their fear of the dentist, and in today’s post, we will outline some of those tips below!
If you’re still searching for a family dentist in Oakhurst, you’ve come to the right place! At Luxe Dental Spa, we proudly offer dental procedures for the entire family! We understand that going to the dentist may not be everyone’s favorite, which is why we work hard to ensure both you and your children are as comfortable as possible while you’re in our chair. Explore our website to learn more and to schedule your next appointment!
Start Going at a Young Age
It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best things you can do to help your child overcome their fear of the dentist is to start taking them to the dentist at a young age. This will help them get used to the sights, sounds, and smells of a dental office, and it will also allow them to develop a positive relationship with their dentist.
With that in mind, we recommend taking your child to their first dental appointment either when their first teeth start to erupt or before their first birthday — whichever comes first. The first few visits will be easy, especially if your child only has a few teeth. As a result, these early visits should help your child start to feel more comfortable.
Consider a Pretend Visit
If your child is still really scared of going to the dentist, you may want to consider scheduling a pretend visit. This can be especially helpful for younger children who may not understand what exactly is going to happen during their appointment. During a pretend visit, you and your child can role-play being the dentist and the patient. You can use a toothbrush to “clean” your child’s teeth, and you can also have them “clean” your teeth. This will help them understand what happens during a dentist appointment, and it will also help them feel more comfortable with the dentist when they eventually have an actual appointment.
Prepare for Some Fussing
Even if you do everything right, there’s a chance your child will still fuss during their dentist appointment, and that's okay! It’s normal for children (and even some adults) to get nervous when they’re in the dentist’s chair. The best thing you can do is to prepare for it ahead of time. Talk to your child’s dentist about what they can expect during their appointment, and let your child know it’s okay if they need to take a break. In most cases, the dentist will be more than happy to accommodate your child, and they may even have some tips on how to help them stay calm.
Avoid Bribery
One of the most common coping mechanisms we see is parents who try to bribe their child when they go to the dentist. While it may seem like a good way to get them in the door, it can actually backfire. If you promise your child a prize or candy if they don't fuss at the dentist, it might increase their apprehension, and they may start to wonder what could be so bad that you need to offer them a prize.
We hope these tips are helpful, and we encourage you to reach out if you have any questions. At Luxe Dental Spa in Oakhurst, we offer dental procedures for the entire family, and we understand that going to the dentist can be scary, which is why we always prioritize your comfort. Explore our website to learn about our procedures, and give us a call to schedule an appointment with your new favorite family dentist today!