How To Help Your Child Overcome A Fear Of The Dentist
Going to the dentist is a common fear shared by adults and children alike. However, it's also an essential step in maintaining good oral health and ensuring that you follow a healthy lifestyle. As a result, you must help your child overcome the fear of going to the dentist when they are young, so they are less likely to avoid these services in the future!
Here are some top tips to get them started!
Lead by example. Children love to copy or emulate their parents' behavior and may even do so without realizing it. This means that when you complain about going to the dentist or cancel appointments, they may begin to develop a negative response to their appointments. You can remedy this by leading by example and showing them they have nothing to worry about. Try to book your appointments at the same time, so going to the dentist becomes a family event as opposed to something they’re doing alone.
Consider a pediatric dentist. Most dental practices will specialize in supporting patients of all ages - but for nervous patients, a Pediatric Dentist may provide them with some extra comfort during their appointment. This is because they’re used to working with children and know exactly what to do (or say) to soothe their nerves and keep their pearly whites…pearly white! They’re also a particularly useful practice if your child requires braces or similar treatments.
Keep them in the loop. Fear is one of the ways in which our bodies respond to the unknown, meaning you can take some of the fear out of going to the dentist by helping them understand what their visit will be like. For example, for particularly young children, you could read picture books about the dentist to them ahead of time. This helps them gain some awareness and understanding, making the process a little less daunting. If your child needs any treatment, use age-appropriate language to explain what is happening to them. For example, you could use this guide to prepare your child for their first filling.
Encourage them to take good care of their teeth. Getting your kids excited about oral hygiene can also be a great way to avoid dentist woes, as it reduces the chances of them requiring complicated or painful dental treatment. Instead, the only thing they’ll need to go to the dentist for is a check up. It's also a great way to teach them to be more responsible, and is a great habit to get into (especially as kids are often reluctant to brush their teeth when instructed). Thankfully, there are various ways you can make the process a little more fun for them. For example, you could play their favorite song and encourage them to keep brushing (and dancing) along until the song ends. This is a great way to ensure they brush for the recommended two minutes, as it works like a timer to keep them on track. You should also encourage them to floss or use mouthwash to keep their teeth extra bright and shiny.