Dental anxiety is common among children, and it can make dental visits stressful for both the child and the parents. Our pediatric dental practice has seen it all, so we’re fully prepared to help your child feel calm and at ease during their appointment. Here are our team’s best tips for preparing your child before, during, and after their visit with us.
Start Early – And With a Pediatric Dentist
Start taking your child to the dentist as early as possible, even if it’s just for a simple checkup. This will help your child get used to the dental office and the procedures involved. Opt for a pediatric dentist, as they have an extra two to three years of training beyond general dental school; pediatric dentists are experts at caring for young patients!
Along with the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), Pediatric Smiles recommends that pediatric dental patients are seen at either the eruption of their first tooth, or by their first birthday – whichever happens first.
Relieving Pediatric Dental Anxiety BEFORE Your Visit
Prior to your child’s visit to the dentist, there are many things you can do to get them mentally prepared. Dental anxiety can crop up in kids even if they’ve been seeing a dentist regularly, so be sure to save this link and refer back to it each time your child’s biannual appointment approaches.
Be Positive
Speak positively about the dentist and the dental procedures. Avoid using words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “shot.” Instead, use words that are more neutral, such as “clean,” “check,” or “count.”
Read Books
Stories play a huge role in helping your child understand new experiences, and it can be very reassuring to see a familiar face outlining expectations in a fun, visual way. Here are some great books to read with your child prior to your visit:
- The Crocodile and the Dentist – by Taro Gomi
- Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig) – by Scholastic
- Daniel Goes to the Dentist (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) – by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
- The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist – by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Just Going to the Dentist (Little Critter) – by Mercer Mayer
- Curious George Visits the Dentist – by H.A. Rey
- Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer) – by Christina Ricci
Role-play
Play pretend dentist at home with your child, using a toothbrush and a mirror. This will help your child get comfortable with the idea of dental procedures. Having a sense of predictability will help ease your kiddo’s anxiety.
Instill Healthy Habits
Be sure to encourage your child to brush for two minutes per session, two to three times a day. Make it a family event – brush and floss together! Visit our blog for more ideas on building healthy teeth-brushing habits.
Be Honest
Be honest with your child about what to expect during the dental visit. Let them know that it might feel a little strange or uncomfortable, but that it won’t last long.
Don’t Bribe
Avoid using bribes or rewards to get your child to cooperate. This can create unrealistic expectations and make future dental visits more difficult.
Instead, it may be helpful to have something to look forward to after the appointment. Perhaps the promise of a picnic in the park would help your child keep their eye on the prize and stay positive about the day as a whole.
Talk to Your Dentist
Our team is well-equipped to handle any situation, but if you’d like to let us know something in particular about your child ahead of time, relating to anxiety or otherwise, please reach out!
Relieving Pediatric Dental Anxiety DURING Your Visit
Now’s your time to shine! Remember your training. Read on to learn how to support your child during their dental visit.
Stay Calm and Encourage Your Child
Try to stay calm and relaxed during the dental visit, even if your child is anxious. Children can sense their parents’ anxiety, which can make their own anxiety worse. Practice deep breathing and assure them that they’re in good hands. A smile and nod can go a long way in an unfamiliar environment.
Use Distractions
Bring along a favorite toy or book to help distract your child during the dental visit.
But no worries if you forget to bring something, we’ve got you covered! Here at Pediatric Smiles of Northland Kansas City, our office was designed with kids in mind. We strive to add a little fun wherever we can, for example, we offer stuffed animals and fidget spinners to calm nerves, and sunglasses to shield kids’ eyes from the bright lights during their exam. Each exam chair also has a front row seat to a TV with a variety of kid-friendly viewing options.
These distractions help keep children still so we can work efficiently and get you back to your day swiftly.
Relieving Pediatric Dental Anxiety AFTER Your Visit
After your visit, praise your child for a job well done, but try to keep a neutral tone overall, as if you just went to the grocery store or did another typical errand. This helps your child view dental visits as just normal, routine events, rather than something big and scary they should fear.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
Before heading back home, be sure to schedule your next visit, six months out. If age-appropriate and possible, give your child a say in the matter. This will help them buy into it a bit more.
Need to check your calendar first? No problem. Contact us whenever you’re ready.
Go on a Fun Outing!
Remember – your post dental visit outing doesn’t need to be elaborate, and it shouldn’t feel like a prize or bribe, either. It’s just the plan for the day. The idea is that your child will associate “dentist day” as “fun outing day”, too! And hey, maybe they’ll consider their dental visit a fun outing, too!
Schedule an Appointment
By following these tips, parents can help ease their child’s dental anxiety and make visits to the dentist a positive experience for everyone involved. With patience, understanding, and support, your child can learn to overcome their fears and maintain good oral health for life!
As a leading pediatric dentist in the Northland, we offer several types of dental care for children from birth through their teenage years. Check out our FAQ page for more information, or request a pediatric dental appointment in Kansas City today.
