Is Your Child Afraid of the Dentist? They’re Not Alone: How to Ease Their Fear
If your child is afraid of the dentist, don’t worry: They’re not alone. Many children are afraid of the dentist and the good news is that there are steps you can take to alleviate this fear. Remember when you were a child – new things were always scary and when they involved tools that make loud sounds and feelings they’re not used to, it’s understandable that they may be nervous.
If you’re worried that your child will be nervous when they visit the dentist for the first time, or if your child has already visited a dentist and you know they’re fearful, then read on to learn how you can support them. Then reach out to a family dentist at California Dental Group by calling (800) 407-0161.
Being regular dental visits before a problem arises
Don’t wait until your child has a painful problem before visiting the dentist. If you wait until there’s an issue, then their first experience at the dentist is likely to be a painful, difficult one. Instead, bring your child to the dentist early and regularly. This will ensure that your child gets used to regular dental cleanings and checkups and that we can catch any problems before they turn into a big issue.
Visit our office before the day of your appointment
Whether you’re nervous or your kid is, it may be a good idea to stop by our office in advance of their appointment. You can meet staff, see where your kiddo will be sitting, and get answers to any questions you have. We can also go over what will happen during the office visit. This can help put both parent and child at ease.
Try not to talk too much
At California Dental Group, we often see well-meaning parents chatter at their child during the exam. Their purpose is to try and distract their child, but this isn’t the best option. Instead, let your child’s dentist do the talking. Allow them to develop a rapport with your child. In the long-run, this is the best option to get your child over any fear. If you have questions for the dentist, wait until the end of the appointment.
Don’t use words that will scare your child
When you’re talking about going to the dentist, avoid words like shot, hurt, drill, etc. Any word that could make them fearful should be avoided. We recommend that you use simple descriptions to explain what will happen and to keep the description upbeat. Give us a call at (800) 407-0161 if you need help finding a way to talk to your child about the dentist in a positive way.
Bring in a comfort item for your child
Does your child have a special blanket, stuffed animal, or toy that makes them feel comfortable? Bring it in for them. As long as it doesn’t get in the way of our job, we’re happy for you to bring anything that can help your little one. To get your appointment scheduled, reach out to us at (800) 407-0161.
