A dental clinic is indeed very scary. Admit it! Even some grown ups are still nervous when they are about to visit their dentist. In fact, many people suffer from the fear of dentists. However, adults can easily deal with it. Children’s fear of the dentist, on the other hand, is a totally different story. The irony is how to eliminate this fear at the stage in life that needs a lot of trips to the dentist. Inculcating values is best done during childhood. One of these important values is prioritizing their health which includes oral health.
All parents out there are constantly in the battle with their children when it comes to visiting the dentist. If you are a parent with a child that fears the dentist, here are some tips for you to win this possible endless battle.
Tip # 1: Role Play
Before a trip to the dentist, show your child what he or she should expect by playing dentist at home. Speak at a very friendly tone and make sure to be the dentist. Act as friendly and as accommodating as possible. This will show your child that a trip to the dentist is something that is fun and pleasing. Don’t use words such as “extraction” or “shot”. Instead, say things like “I will removing the sugar monsters in your teeth so they won’t hurt anymore!” In short, show your child that a dentist is not an enemy but a friend.
Tip # 2: Pick Dentist Stories for Story Time
There are many story books for children that are related to dentists. One of the most popular ones is “The Tooth Book” by Dr. Seuss. There are also story books from Winnie the Pooh, Dora the Explorer and other loved cartoon characters by children. These stories will help your children eliminate the belief that dental clinics are scary. If you do this all the time, say twice or thrice a week, your children will see a trip to the dentist as something pleasing and fun like what their favorite cartoon characters describe.
Tip # 3: Start as Young as Possible
No matter how old or young your children are, make sure they get used to going to the dentists already. Schedule them for visits every 3 months or 6 months so they know that visiting the dentist is imperative. These regular check ups should be fun and if they are brave, reward them with something after. Just don’t exaggerate on the rewarding part because this will yield bad results in the long-term. If children are constantly given rewards for going to the dentist, then they will be doing it for the wrong reasons, not because their oral health is important.
Tip # 4: Look for the best Pediatric Dentist in Town
Over the past few years, more and more dentists are specializing in pediatric dentistry. There is definitely one pediatric dentist in your vicinity. Look for the best one! Take time in scouting as well. See for yourself and assess which dentist your children will love. Also, check out the clinics. Pediatric clinics should be child friendly. The best pediatric clinics have lots of decorations around and even a small play area where children can wait for there turn. This is of importance because the waiting time in the dental clinic is where all the anxiety comes in. If it matters, check where you can save the most as well or which pediatric dentist is accredited by your health care plan.
Tip # 5: Stay Close During Dental Procedures
If your kids want you with them, holding their hands, during dental procedures then go ahead and take the time to do so. Many children with dental anxiety feel better once a parent or trusted guardian is around. It definitely eliminates the anxiety and the fear. While you are in there with your child, make sure you constantly encourage and praise your child as well. Say things such as “very good boy!” and “we are almost done brave girl!” Moral support goes a long way when it comes to children.
These 5 tips on how to eliminate dentophobia on children are guaranteed to work. Just make sure that you are with your child every step of the way and going to the dentist will be a breeze for both of you.
Brenda is a web content writer for 1st Available. In her free time she loves to blog about fashion, home improvement and home decoration.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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These are great tips! My seven year old used to be terrified of the dentist chair. She wasn’t the first few times she visited, but something happened when she turned 4. She suddenly had a major unexplainable fear of the dentist. We practically had to hold her arms and legs down so she wouldn’t try to squirm off the chair once the noise from the tools started. Even with a great pediatric dentist and hygienist. They were both so good with her, explaining patiently what each tool was used for, letting her hold the tools, etc… Nothing worked. Sometimes you just have to use a stern voice and force the issue. That ended up being the only thing that worked for us. The plus side was the stern voice caused her to cry…which meant her mouth was wide open for the dentist to get the job done. Lol! Of course, she got lots of love and praises from us when it was all over with. Ultimately, it took seeing her baby sister sit bravely in the chair without a single problem for her to decide that going to the dentist wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
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I’m afraid of the dentist myself, so the best way I know to help the kids, is not go with them. I let my husband do it!
Momfever recently posted..The Garbage Bag Solution!
My daughter has already had 3 tooth extractions. She was brave the first time but scared the other times. I guess it also helps to set an example to them. As parents,we should show our kids that we aren’t afraid of the dentist. We can even turn it into a family event.
I think scouting for a dentist is a good idea. Word of mouth can work wonders in a situation like that, and if you look around a bit, there’s sure to be patient reviews around. I like the idea of role play too.
This was a helpful list.
Elizabeth… These are great tips. I also love it because it reinforces what I have always done with my children. and My daughter (5) must be a freak (lol- jk), because she love going to the dentist. lol!! How blessed am I? ;) Thank you for sharing all these wonderful tips with me. Blessings to you and yours.
Carla Barilá Karam recently posted..Day 406 ~ Free Driver Evaluations!
These are great tips! I really should take my daughter to the dentist soon, she now has teeth…
What awesome tips! I need to get my little one to the dentist asap. I fear pediatric dentists because I had a very bad experience with mine growing up. Trying to scout out a good family practice!
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I never had a fear of the dentist. I’ve always loved going! I hope to share that enthusiasm with my daughter but if not, thanks for this article!