One of the leading fears among children is undoubtedly fear of the dentist. Although it’s not only children who are afraid of visiting the dentist, this fear is present in adults too. Unlike children, adults, as much as they fear the dentist, somehow overcome it nationally. They know it’s not only about the teeth’ health but the whole body’s. And of course, the aesthetic moment is not negligible.
Fear of the dentist usually comes from bad experiences from before, although there is always the fear of pain, fear of loss of control, and the consequences of anesthesia.
If the parent fears going to the dentist and do not hide it, this fear will inevitably be transmitted to the child.
When is the best time to teach a child to brush their teeth?
Every parent’s task is to teach their child to brush their teeth regularly from an early age. Since children watch us more than they listen to us, you will do this best by setting a personal example. It is essential to be consistent and not to give in to the child’s pleas, as they will not always accept brushing their teeth with enthusiasm. To make brushing teeth interesting for the child, you can explain that teeth are best brushed like rain falls (up and down movements) and like grass grows (down and up movements).
You can also create a story in which your child is a positive character, and another invented character is someone who did not brush their teeth and ate a lot of sweets. If you have such an approach not only for creating a habit of regularly brushing teeth but for every life situation, the child will adopt it much faster and easier and will apply it regularly.
Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for anyone, but especially for children. If your child is scared of the dentist, it can be difficult to know how to help them. Fortunately, the Maple Dental Health Team has some tips to help your child overcome their fear and make their dental visits more pleasant.
- Talk to Your Child: The first step in helping your child overcome the dentist fears to talk to them. Ask them why they are scared and listen to their answers. Talk to them in an understanding and encouraging way, and explain that going to the dentist is necessary for their overall health.
- Make an Appointment with a Child-Friendly Dentist: Find a dentist who works with children and is sensitive to their needs. Ask for referrals from other parents or look up reviews online.
- Create a Positive Dental Environment: If your child is already scared of the dentist, don’t make it worse by talking negatively about it. Instead, create a positive environment by talking about the importance of good dental hygiene and how going to the dentist helps keep their teeth healthy.
- Play Dentist at Home: Try playing dentist at home to help your child better understand the dentist. Pretend to use a toothbrush and toothpaste and explain the importance of brushing and flossing. Show them what the dentist does, such as cleaning teeth and taking x-rays.
- Visit the Dentist Before the Appointment: Take your child to the dentist before the appointment. This will help your child become familiar with the office and staff. Have them meet the dentist and ask any questions they may have.
- Prepare Your Child in Advance: Before the appointment, explain what will happen during the visit. Use simple language and talk them through each step so they know what to expect.
- Bring a Comfort Item: If your child is still anxious, bring a comfort item. This could be a favorite toy or stuffed animal. Let them hold it during the appointment or bring it into the examination room.
- Distract Your Child: During the appointment, keep your child distracted by talking to them or singing their favorite song. Ask them questions about school or something else they are interested in.
- Reward Your Child: Reward your child for being brave after the appointment. This could be a special treat or a fun activity.
- Follow Up: Follow up with your child after the appointment to ensure they are doing well. Ask them how they feel and if they have any questions.
Following these steps can help your child overcome their fear of the dentist. Remember that it may take some time, so be patient and understanding. With supportive care and positive reinforcement, your child can conquer their fear and visit the dentist confidently.
If kids are scared of dentists, the Maple Dental Health Team is here to help. Our friendly and experienced team will work with you and your child to ensure a positive experience. With our tips and support, your child can overcome fear and enjoy dental visits.
