When Your Child Fears the Dentist

Getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a challenge at times, but sometimes even more difficult is a trip to the dentist. Fear of the dentist is pretty common for kids, especially for younger ones who can get overwhelmed with all the lights, sounds, smells and tools.

Regular checkups and cleanings are as important for children as they are for adults, and it’s vital to help them feel comfortable so they don’t form dentist-avoidance habits in the future. Here are a few things you can try to help them overcome their fears and make your trips to the dentist pleasant ones.

Talk to your child about the dentist and create excitement. Don’t say it won’t hurt or Don’t be afraid because your child many not even associate these with a visit to the dental office until you bring it up.

Explain the importance of prevention to them. They may find teeth cleanings a little uncomfortable, but it’s by far the least invasive procedure. Speaking of prevention, the younger your child is when they begin regular visits, the better chance that they will grow accustomed to dental visits rather than developing a fear of them.

Schedule their dental appointments at the same time as yours when possible and have them in the room with you while you get your teeth cleaned. This will show them that there is nothing to fear. Keep dental visits consistent (about every 6 months) to avoid problems associated with long breaks, like cavities and plaque buildup. Remember, the longer the break between visits, the longer and more difficult the cleaning will be.

Let your Monarch dentist and dental hygienist know that your child is a little nervous, and they’ll do everything they can to help ease their fears. Trust me, we deal with this all the time and have gotten pretty good at helping kids feel comfortable.