The idea of a visit to the dentist can be a cause of anxiety for your young child. The good news is, these helpful tips can, when coupled with the knowledge of your dentist on calming nerves, make dentist appointments much less stressful for you and your child.
Before the Appointment:
A great start to easing your child’s nerves is making their first dental visit at a young age. It is recommended to begin taking your child to the dentist at the appearance of their first primary (baby) tooth, which usually happens at around six months, or at the latest, by their first birthday. The benefit of getting them into the dentist at this point in their development is that they are usually too young to have much anxiety.
For slightly older children, reading books about dental care is another great method to help ease their fears. There is a wide variety of fun, interactive books that have to do with visits to the dentist.
When At the Appointment:
Let the Staff Do the Talking
It’s completely valid to want to do the soothing if your child becomes anxious or fussy during their visit, but trust in your dentist. Most dentists are experienced with nervous children and know the type of language and care your child needs to calm their nerves. Don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist and ask them ways to communicate further dental procedures to your child without scaring them.
Avoid Bribery
A common method to get your child to want to behave at their appointment is bribery (“we can go get ice cream after!”), but this can give your child the wrong impression about what it means to visit the dentist, and may be counterproductive. Instead, try praising your child after their visit to help them gain confidence about returning to their next appointment.
After the Appointment:
Lastly, and most importantly, it is critical to teach your child how to practice healthy oral health habits as they grow up. This will ensure they gain pride in their smiles, be comfortable receiving dental care, and understand the importance of visiting the dentist regularly for years to come.
If you’re ready to bring your child in for an appointment, contact the office of Dr. Brian Hokanson, DDS.! Our friendly staff makes it a priority to ensure your child’s comfort during their visits to our office.