What to Do If Your Child Is Afraid of the Dentist
As we emerge from our pandemic cocoons and begin to catch on all the things that we either deliberately put off or simply could not understand, trying over the past year, we may come to the realization that it was too long, since the dentist has already seen in the mouth our child. Whether their first visit is approaching or some time has passed since their last cleaning, they may feel some anxiety about sitting in a large chair.
If so, there are some things you can do ahead of time to make it less painful for them (and you).
Start them early
Chances are, you need to take your child to the dentist earlier than you think (when they have their first tooth or no later than their first birthday). If you start these visits early, before they really know what’s going on, they will get used to the office and procedures – and it is unlikely that they will develop fear of them.
However, if you’ve waited a little longer and they’re not sure what to expect, you can try a little dental role-play at home. The next time they are about to brush their teeth, picture yourself as a dentist examining and counting your teeth with a toothbrush, and then let them take turns driving with you, your favorite doll or animal toy. Making it a game can ease their anxiety about the unknown.
Choose a pediatric dentist
The dentist you’ve walked to your entire adult life is probably great, but if your child is worried about this experience, it’s best to take him to a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric dentists, as the name suggests, specialize in oral hygiene for children. They have all sorts of tricks to help relieve children’s stress, they use the best safe language to describe tools, and they practice telling stories and involving children in a way that distracts them from the actual cleaning. Plus, a pediatric dentistry office is likely to be a brighter, more fun and welcoming space for a child than the more sterile white walls in a dentist’s office.
Wade slowly
If your child is especially nervous about new situations or new places, you may want to consider going to the office with him prior to his appointment so that he can check toys in the waiting room and meet with the dentist before sitting in the large chair.
You can also ask them to accompany you to your next appointment so that they can watch you brush your teeth and learn about all the strange sounds the instruments make without being in this vulnerable position with your mouth open. (This assumes that you have no concerns about visiting the dentist – if you do, leave them at home.)
If you know they will still be nervous, it’s good to inform the office ahead of time so they can prepare for their most calming tactics. And choose an appointment time when they are most likely to be well-rested, full, and in the best spirits.
Avoid Fueling Their Anxiety
In particular, if your child is about to have an upcoming procedure, such as a cavity filling, avoid using words such as pain, injury, or shot. If they have questions, try to answer as simply and simply as possible, focusing on the goal of having strong and healthy teeth. The dentist can give more detailed answers, as he is able to describe dental procedures in a way that children can understand.
If you are nervous because you know they are nervous – or because you are not a fan of the dentist either – bury those feelings deeply. They will pick up on any worry you may have, so try to be positive about the experience yourself.
You might be tempted to promise them a reward for visiting, but that can backfire: If you promise them a treat for being brave or for a good visit, it must mean that it will be difficult or intimidating in some way. – because if it doesn’t really matter, there would be no reason to promise them a reward, right? Children pick up on such nuances, and it can make them worry about why they wo n’t get a good visit.
(You can reward them later if you want – just don’t promise it in advance.)