Thinking about taking your child to the dentist either for the first time or for an appointment to fix their cavities can be stressful not only for your child but for the parent as well.
We want to give you some tips to reduce anxiety and boost your child’s confidence about seeing us.
1. DO NOT MAKE THE VISIT A PUNISHMENT
In the days leading up to the visit, we recommend talking to your child about their visit in a positive and fun way. Even if your child has cavities, we ask you to please not use the dental visit as a punishment or punish them in anyway. Instead, let’s make it an opportunity to learn to do better. At home you can make a brushing chart to encourage good brushing habits, give them a reward upon carrying out set goals, or you can provide positive reinforcement after they complete a set time period of good habits.
2. READ TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT GOING TO THE DENTIST
Here are 5 books we recommend parents read to their kiddos:
1. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist (https://www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Visit-Dentist/dp/0394848365)
2. Curious George Visits the Dentist (https://www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Visits-Dentist-Rey/dp/0544146875)
3. Just Going to the Dentist (https://www.amazon.com/Dentist-Little-Critter-Golden-Look-Look/dp/0307125831)
4. Doctor de Soto (https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Soto-William-Steig/dp/0312611897)
5. Brush, Brush, Brush (https://www.amazon.com/Brush-Rookie-Toddler/dp/0531252361)
3. ROLE PLAY
Let them play “dentist” at home before the visit. This can be an opportunity to play out the visit in a less intimate way. For example, you will hear the dentist call the drill a “tickle toothbrush” or a “motorcycle toothbrush;” you can start using these terms at home. There is a “Play-Doh” set that has all the tools and we found it to be fun and informative. Barbie also has a dentist that comes will tool as well.
4. REGULAR CHECKUPS
Taking your child to the dentist every 6 months for “easy” appointments can build trust between your child and the dental staff. We want them to feel comfortable in the office and associate the office with a safe environment for them. Also, doing an exam on your child every 6 months prevents cavities from becoming too large.
5. DON’T TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS AND NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES
Pediatric dentistry has come along way since we were kids. We no longer take goopy impressions that make children gag. Nor do we force treatment on children that can not mentally handle the appointment. Instead let’s talk about the appointment in a fun and exciting way, always reminding your child that we are here to help.
6. TALK ABOUT WHAT THE CHILD MAY FEEL RATHER THAN WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN
Many parents want to be honest with their children and I support them completely. If you choose to tell your kiddo more about the appointment try to focus on what they will feel. Tell them how their tooth will feel “sleepy,” or “tingly,” and their face might feel “puffy.” Remind them that in order to get all those sugar bugs out we have to be able to see them, so they’ll need to open “big like an alligator!”
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