For many children, the dentist is terrifying! Dental fear is unfortunately a common occurrence within paediatric dentistry. While paediatric dentists specialize in treating young patients, kids have often developed their own opinions about visiting the dentist before they even sit in the chair.
Why Is My Child Afraid of the Dentist?
There are many factors at play in your child’s fear of the dentist. One of your child’s first sources is your own experience and opinion about going to the dentist. If you vocalize your own dislike or fear of dental visits, then this fear can be easily transferred onto your child.
Another factor that can contribute to your child’s dental fear is a lack of preparation for their first visit to the dentist. As a parent, it is important to support your child before, during and after their visit to make sure that your child’s experience a positive one.
A child’s general anxiety towards new experiences can also affect their mood, especially if this is their first time going to the dentist. You know your child’s comfort level best : keeping them calm will help support a positive experience in an otherwise frightening situation.
How Can I Help To Ease My Child’s Dental Fear?
- Be Proactive. Help prepare your child by discussing what they can expect in a positive light. If the language and actions that you use to talk about the dentist with your child are positive, they will be more likely to look forward to their visit.
- Make It Fun. Read books and watch videos to help your child understand what will happen when they visit the dentist. Watch TV shows that involve your child’s favourite characters going to the dentist to inspire them to do the same.
- Make It Familiar. Teeth brushing should be fun! If you and your child celebrate the importance and enjoyment of oral health every day, children will be excited to go to the dentist to show off all of their hard work!
How We Can Help Ease Your Child’s Dental Fear
At Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre, Dr. Plant has many years of experience treating children of all ages. While we use many techniques in order to ease the child’s fear, constant communication is the most important way to ensure a comfortable and positive experience. Our dental office offers our popular ‘Kiddie Corner’ while your child waits to be treated. Young patients can stay busy with books, toy, LEGO and computer games, all nestled away in a bright, kid-friendly space. Televisions are located in our treatment rooms as a means of distraction and entertainment during procedures.
Take a look at our For Kids page to watch our video ‘My Trip To the Dentist Office’ to get your child excited about their next visit!
