6 Tips to Ease Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist

Dental anxiety is a rather common occurrence, and it can prevent people from booking a routine check-up or resolving an oral health complaint. Unfortunately, the fear can arise at a young age and could lead to your son or daughter dreading the very thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair.

It is, however, a parent’s responsibility to schedule routine appointments, which can help their kids to enjoy a healthy, straight and bright white smile. To ensure they attend an appointment without any hassle or fuss, read these six tips to ease your child’s fear of the dentist.

1. Visit a Dentist from an Early Age

The sooner your child visits a dentist, the less afraid they will be when attending a routine appointment. It is important to schedule routine check-ups as soon as your child’s first tooth starts to bud, which can prevent the progression of tooth decay. What’s more, it will make the dental practice and the process more familiar, so they won’t feel so overwhelmed when they visit a dentist.

2. Pick a Family-Friendly Dentist

It is vital that you select a dentist who will have an excellent bedside manner with children, as this will help to make them feel at ease during every visit. For example, we are committed to providing family-friendly dental care in Bayswater. We can, therefore, give reassurance to nervous children and adapt our treatments to meet their specific needs.

3. Be Positive

It is wise to avoid going into detail when describing the dental process and treatments, as this will likely cause your son or daughter’s imagination to run wild. While a child might require a filling or tooth extraction, you should avoid talking about a procedure until a dentist has reviewed their teeth and gums.

4. Avoid Negative Words

Using negative words when talking about a dentist could make your child feel even more afraid of an upcoming check-up or treatment. It is important to steer clear of words that can have negative connotations, such as “pain” or “shot.”

5. Don’t Bribe Your Child

Bribing your child will indicate that attending a dental appointment is a negative experience, which could lead them to believe they have a reason to fear sitting in a dental chair. Plus, promising them a sugary treat at the end of a check-up or treatment can counteract the importance of visiting a dentist, as it might cause them to develop cavities and could lead to more frequent dental appointments and procedures.

6. Hold Their Hand

If your child feels uneasy at the prospect of visiting a dentist, you should reassure them that you’ll be by the side the whole time during an appointment or procedure. A dentist will also be more than happy for you to hold your son or daughter’s hand during a treatment, which could alleviate your child’s anxiety and make them feel safer.

If you are looking for a family-friendly dental practice in Bayswater, please book an appointment with Dainty Dental Care by calling (03) 9720 7652.