5 Easy-Peasy Ways to Help Your Child Feel at Ease at the Dentist

Ensuring a healthy child is all about getting regular checkups, and even their smile needs periodic attention. However, children can be a little apprehensive about dental treatment just like they can be afraid of other forms of medical treatment. Take a look at a few ways you can help your child feel more at ease when they visit a dentist for treatment.

1. Keep Your Apprehension In Check

Children will reflect your own personal feelings, especially if you are apprehensive or worried about their visit to the dentist. Do what you can to mask your concerns so your child does not sense your nervousness.

2. Choose Dentistry Treatment Terms Wisely

Your child will likely ask a lot of questions about the dentist and what will happen when they visit. Be careful about how you describe certain procedures. Children can be fearful of anything they don’t understand. For example, instead of telling your child the dentist may use a drill to fix a cavity, simply say the dentist will remove the cavity ad fix it.

3. Play Pretend Dentist at Home

Set up a mock dental treatment area at home and play pretend dentist at home. You can use simple plastic toys or tools to “clean” your child’s teeth and allow them to do the same to you. This pretend play can help ease your child’s apprehension about what will take place when the real treatment day arrives.

4. Keep Wait Times to a Minimum

Try not to arrive too early for your child’s dentist appointment. If they see someone coming out of treatment that looks bothered, they can assume the worst and grow even more afraid.

5. Discuss Your Child’s Apprehension with the Dentist

Never forget that your dentist can do a lot to help ease a fearful child during treatment. Talk to them openly about your child’s fears when you make an appointment. The dentist will make arrangements to ensure your child gets through the appointment with as little to fear as possible.

Childhood dental care is critical, and having a child afraid of the dentist can make it hard. Reach out to us at Rayburn General Dentistry if you need advice about helping a fearful child get the proper dental care.