It’s perfectly normal for children to feel nervous. A new setting, new noises, lights, and not knowing what will happen next can all be overwhelming.
The good news? Parents can take some simple steps to help make dental visits more comfortable, positive, and predictable. Selecting a dental clinic that understands children can make a world of difference.
Tips to Help Your Child Feel Less Nervous About the Dentist
Maintain a positive tone in the conversation. Children mimic the behavior of adults. Take time to speak in a positive manner about the dentist and refrain from telling your child about your own childhood dental fears.
Rather than saying things like, “Don’t worry, it won’t hurt,” keep it simple: “The dentist is going to count your teeth and help keep your smile healthy and strong.”
Children sometimes absorb the fear of the dentist or the parents, so it is important to remain calm and positive to help set the tone for the visit.
Talk about what to expect—but keep it simple
A little preparation can help take away some of the fear of the unknown. Tell them that the dentist will count their teeth, have a look at their mouth, and will use special tools so that it is not possible that something is not healthy.
You can even practice at home! Let your child act as a dentist and count their stuffed animal’s teeth, or encourage them to open wide as you pretend to count their teeth.
It could also be helpful for children to read books or watch child-friendly videos about visiting the dentist to help increase their confidence before their visit.
Avoid using scary words
You can make your child anxious before he even gets to the doctor’s office by using words such as pain, hurt, needle, drill, shot, or pull.
Have the dental team tell children in child-friendly words. Pediatric dental teams can take a tell-show-do approach when explaining to kids what they are doing, demonstrating it, and then slowly doing it. Other effective methods that are known are positive reinforcement, distraction, descriptive praise, and gradual desensitization.
Tell us if your child is nervous
Don’t be afraid to tell the dental team you feel your child is anxious. It can help us understand their needs and make the experience more comfortable.
All children are unique. Some want to ask a hundred questions. Some require additional warming up. Some feel more comfortable watching first. Others just need to be told it’s normal to be nervous.
The right dental team should recognize those feelings, respond to queries, and help to ease some of the apprehension.
Celebrate the small wins
Not all children’s dental visits need to be exactly the same and successful.
Success can be a child in the dental chair with her mouth open for one child. For another, it could be suffering a complete cleaning. All good steps contribute to confidence for the next visit.
Compliment your child for being brave, asking questions, trying something new or just showing up. Those small wins are important.
Why The Little Tooth Is the Perfect Place for Nervous Kids
Children are not mini adults at The Little Tooth Dental Clinic. They should have a dental experience tailored for them.
We know that going to the dentist can be a very big deal when you’re a little one. This is why our first aim is to welcome, understand and support every child from the moment they arrive.
We know, and we believe in meeting kids where they are. Others are happy and eager to sit on the chair right away. Others require a bit more time, encouragement, explanation, or reassurance, and that is fine.
Those early dental experiences are so crucial, and we know it. Our aim is to make children feel good about themselves and more confident in returning.
It’s not only about checking teeth for us.
It’s a matter of trust. Creating positive experiences. Celebrating brave moments. And helping kids develop a healthy relationship with dental care that can last a lifetime.
If your children are worried about the dentist, then just book an appointment with the Little Tooth as it is the best place for them.
Click here to find out how kids enjoy in the Little Tooth Dentist office.