How to Help Your Child With Dentistry Fear

Taking your child to the dentist can be stressful, especially if your child is afraid of the dentist. Going to the dentist is a crucial part of maintaining optimal oral health, so it's important for your child to attend their appointments on a regular basis.

There are ways to decrease the amount of stress and anxiety your child feels at the dentist. The more comfortable they feel with the office and people who work there, the better! If they look forward to getting a toy or prize at the end of their appointment they are more likely to jump in the car to go to the dentist.

Familiarize your child with the office and the dentist prior to their first appointment. Allow the child to see the atmosphere, meet their future dentist, and maybe learn a few things about oral care! If you can, schedule your child's appointments to be with the same hygienist and dentist every time. This allows your child to form relationships with the people doing their check ups, and creates trust.

Choose a pediatric dentist for your child. A practitioner whose main focus is children has extensive experience and knowledge when it comes to making your child calm and comfortable. Consider pediatric dentists to be experts when it comes to fearful young patients.

Reward your child with a small toy for behaving at the dentist. They may be more likely to sit still and allow the dentist to examine their mouths if they're thinking about what action figure or my little pony they're going to get afterwards.