A child’s fear upon seeing the dentist for the first time, or even the first several times if there are large intervals between early appointments, is totally natural. The surroundings are unfamiliar to kids’ dentists near you; there is equipment around, and strangers want to peer inside their mouths. That even makes adults nervous sometimes!
The key is regular checkups. These enable a more complete cleaning and development monitoring by our pediatric dentist. But not all kids are excited about going. For a variety of reasons, a dentist’s office can appear intimidating. One of the reasons is that your kid doesn’t know any of the new individuals there. Also, several dental instruments make loud noises.
At Smile Lynn Pediatric Dentistry, we have learned many helpful suggestions and techniques for things you may do at home if your child is afraid of the dentist. Here are four suggestions to help you and your children feel more at ease during dentist visits:
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Schedule Advance Appointment with a Kid’s Dental Office Near You
Before the appointment, schedule a meeting between your child and the dentist. They can make use of this time to get to know the personnel, the office, and most importantly, the kind of dentist who wants to assist them.
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Use Positive Reinforcement
If your child despises and fears visiting the dentist, try using some form of positive reinforcement afterward to help them make the connection between getting a reward and going to the dentist. This could be a visit to the playground, a day off from school following the appointment, a movie, or their preferred sweet or smoothie (soft foods are best post-dentist). It will be easier for your child to deal with their first fear of the dentist’s office once they realize something good will happen following their dental treatment.
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Words Matter
When speaking about the dentist in front of your child, use upbeat, less threatening language. Avoid using words like “shot,” “hurt,” and “drill.” These are frightening words that might frighten your little child. Inform your child that the dentist will “clean” their teeth of sugar rather than examine them and that the dentist will instead count their teeth. You may help your child realize that going to the dentist is a positive, pain-free event that is good for their health by using positive language they can relate to.
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Talk to Your Child About Why the Dentist is Important
It is very important to talk with your child about why oral care is so important and how going to a dentist near you might help. As it can be sometimes difficult for your little one to get over their anxiety of visiting a dentist. The scenarios can be pretty scary.
Use their favorite terms, games, books, and movies to educate your child on why they must visit the dentist. Help your child understand the consequences that come along with failing to see the dentist and prioritize dental health care.
Schedule Your Appointment With Prevention Dentistry in Apollo Beach
Your child will feel more at ease when they visit a pediatric dentist near you if you prepare them beforehand. Ensure to use reassuring, upbeat language while discussing the dentist and their job. This explains to your child what will happen at the meeting and reassures them that it won’t hurt.
You can rely on the staff at Smile Lynn Pediatric Dentistry for all of your pediatric dentistry needs. From newborns to teenagers, we go above and beyond to make sure your child is at ease and enjoys their time with us. Whether it’s for a simple checkup or a more involved operation, our staff works with you and your child to make going to the dentist both convenient and enjoyable.