We all know adults who are afraid of the dentist, so it should come as no surprise that plenty of children share the same apprehension. Here at the Center for Beautiful Smiles, we take pride in our friendly and accommodating atmosphere. But from a child’s perspective, a trip to the dentist means a stranger they’ve never met poking around their mouth with sharp objects. When you look at it that way, you can’t blame them for being scared. Here are a few of the many ways to make the dental office a less intimidating place, for your child’s sake and yours.
Start Early: Fear often comes from a lack of familiarity. If you bring your child in to see the dentist at a young age, they’ll have a better chance of developing a proper comfort level. The last thing you want is to wait until there’s a dental problem to bring in your child for a check up. Then they’re dealing with significant pain and a new and confusing setting.
Comfort: One of the reasons small children get upset at the dentist’s office is because it’s one of the rare times that they are away from their home, parents, and favorite toys and blankets. Replicate the comforts of home by being playful with your child in the waiting room. If possible, ask if you can accompany your child into the exam room for their first visit. And when you prep them for that visit, avoid words that can trigger emotional distress such as “shot,” “hurt,” or “pain.”
Don’t Overthink it: The saying ignorance is bliss is profoundly applicable here. Keep your explanation of the dentist simple and in words that they can understand, and avoid trailing off into the possibility of additional check-ups, future treatments, or anything that could otherwise intimidate your child before the visit even starts. But you also want to avoid saying “everything will be fine” because then you put yourself into a corner if a complication arises and extra work is needed.
Try a Pretend Visit: Some children benefit greatly from role playing a pretend visit before going to the real dentist’s office. It’s much easier for them to get a “check up” from mommy or daddy than a complete stranger. And a successful trial run can give them a sense of comfort and familiarity, so they’re not so overwhelmed with the real thing. But as mentioned above, don’t get too realistic with drilling noises and an array of instruments. You’re trying to make them comfortable, not psyche them out.
Avoid Bribery: While positive reinforcement is a good practice with young ones, the promise of a treat or reward after a good visit can create a slippery slope. Not only may it cause suspicion on the child’s part, but giving them a sugary treat after a visit to the dentist sends mixed messages. Instead, stick to verbal reinforcement. After a successful trip, tell them how well behaved and brave they were.
Stress the importance: There’s a lot of things that kids don’t like. Some they can get away with avoiding; others they can’t. If you let your child know the importance of proper oral health and make it clear that visits to the dentist are something they have to do, they’ll be more likely to accept that fact and move on.
Despite everything you do, many children will still be fussy during their first few trips to the dentist. But by following the guidelines above and scheduling your check ups with the friendly people at the Center for Beautiful Smiles, you can minimize that fussiness and help your child become comfortable with the dentist.