Tips For Helping Your Child Overcome Dental Anxiety
Going to the dentist for the first time can be a scary idea for a child. However, most children overcome this fear and grow up to be quite the regular dental office visitor, and very responsible when it comes to their oral health.
Still, there are children who remain deathly afraid of dentists for any given reason. Considering the importance of proper oral care, parents must do whatever they can to alleviate any fear they children have of dentists. If they fail to do so, then they are condemning their kids to a lifetime of poor dental care, all because dentists scare them. To help your child overcome dental anxiety, here are some tips that might prove to be useful.
Tell your child that proper oral care is extremely important
Your child may be young, but he or she should be able to understand a clear and calm explanation from you about the important role a dentist plays in our lives. Explain to your kid how dentists are good people who only want to make sure that your teeth and gums get the care they need. To drive your point home, tell your child about how bad his or her teeth are going to get if your family dentist doesn’t get to attend to them.
Role-playing helps
Playing “dentist” at home with your child should give your kid an idea what to expect during your visits to the dental office. A toothbrush, a mirror, and a chair should be enough props to show your child there’s nothing to fear.
A pediatric dentist is best for your child
There are regular dentists, and there are pediatric dentists. While they have similar skills and expertise, pediatric dentists are trained to work with children. They are also better-equipped to deal with kids who are afraid of them. Their offices are also kid-friendly with the bright colors and fun pictures everywhere.
Learn more ways of helping your child conquer that fear of the dentist by checking out the infographic below.
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About the Author
Dr. Megan Peterson Boyle is a cosmetic dentist with Dental Studio 101 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is focused on providing anxiety-free dental services, including sedation dentistry. She enjoys spending time outdoors and being around friends and family