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Even though we know how important it is to visit the dentist, children’s dental anxiety can lead to avoiding checkups. For some, dental anxiety starts in childhood and lasts a lifetime. What can we do to help your child trust the dentist, ensuring they seek dental care as adults? Find out by reading below, and after, scheduling online so your child receives exceptional dental care in a comfortable environment.

Be Honest But Avoid Negativity

One helpful way to assist your child in trusting the dentist, is by not making the visit into an ordeal. Simply approach it as a perfectly normal part of staying healthy. Tell your child about an upcoming dental visit ahead of time so that it isn’t a surprise, and answer their questions about what dental appointments are like. Try to avoid scary words like “pain” and “shots,” and leave the detailed explanations of dental procedures to us.

One crucial thing to do even when there isn’t an appointment coming up is to never use the dentist as a threat. Saying things like, “If you don’t brush your teeth, you’ll end up at the dentist!” will only make a child think dentist visits are punishments. This can directly cause and reinforce your child to avoid trusting the dentist. You can still encourage good oral hygiene habits without portraying the dentist as the boogeyman.

Address Existing Sources Of Fear

If your child is already afraid, it might be more of an uphill battle, but you can win! Communication is key. Talk to your child about why they’re experiencing dental anxiety about and help them understand that it isn’t so scary. Lead by example and make them trust that they can go to the dentist too.

Patience is also crucial. Provide your child with an understanding that cleanings are healthy, and that the dentist helps fight germs and tooth decay. Once children start to understand that going to the dentist is an essential part of hygiene and health, and that the dentist, hygienists, and assistants are truly there to help, the dental anxiety should slowly start to go away. 

We Are Happy To Help Your Child Trust The Dentist

Sometimes, children’s dental anxiety is too strong for these strategies to completely cure. That’s where we come in. Our team knows how to work with children to make them feel more comfortable, so don’t feel like you have to make them love us without our help! We’re looking forward to helping your child’s smile stay healthy and bright, while also avoiding as much dental anxiety and fear as possible. To plan your child’s next visit with us, please text or call the office, or you can Book Online.

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One Response

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