5 Helpful Tips For Easing Your Child's Fear Of The Dentist

Being afraid of the dentist is pretty common among young children. The sound of drilling and all those sharp objects can make any kid uneasy. However, it is your job as a parent to help your child feel more comfortable around the dentist. Here are five helpful tips for easing your child's fear of the dentist.

Find a Dentist Who Specializes in Treating Children

It is a good idea to take your child to a dentist who specializes in treating little kids. The dentist should be patient and know how to talk to children. If the dentist is compassionate and understanding, your child will have a much better experience. Take your child to meet the dentist before his first appointment so that he can become familiar with the atmosphere.

Talk About the Importance of Dental Visit

If your child is like most little kids, he probably does not realize how important it is to go to the dentist regularly. It is your job as a parent to talk about the benefits of regular dental visits. Tell your child that a dentist is a helpful adult who will help keep his teeth healthy. If your child knows that visiting the dentist will help him avoid painful cavities, he will be more happy about going.

Try Role Playing

Role playing is another great way to make your child feel more comfortable about visiting the dentist. Have your child sit in a chair as you inspect his teeth with a toothbrush. When you are finished, have your child pretend to be the dentist.

Do Not Offer Rewards 

If your child is afraid to go to the dentist, it might be tempting to offer him a reward for behaving. However, this will send the wrong message to your child and might even make him more nervous. If your child behaves well during his dental visit, just tell him how proud you are of him.

Avoid Using Scary Words

When talking to your child about the dentist, avoid using scary words like "shot" and "drill." These words can instill a lot of fear in your child. Instead, tell your child that the dentist will look at his teeth to make sure they are healthy.

Taking your child to a dentist (such as one from North Phoenix Pediatric Dentistry) does not have to be a challenge. If you follow these helpful tips, you can ease your child's fear of going to the dentist's office.


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