How to Help Your Kids Be Less Nervous at Your Family Friendly Dentist Office

So, your child is scared of the dentist. It’s a fairly common and completely normal reaction.

Young children often don’t understand what’s going on or why they need to go to the dentist. All they see is a scary-looking room with bright lights and unfamiliar noises, smells and objects, and a stranger poking weird, cold instruments in their mouths.

The fear is completely understandable. That said, it's important to ease your child's dental phobia so they don't grow into adults who skip dental appointments due to anxiety. Here's what you need to do to ensure your child overcomes or never develops a fear of the dentist. Call today to book an appointment at our family friendly dentist office.

Start Young

The earlier you expose your child to dental exams and cleanings, the better. Experts recommend that children should have their first dental checkup at one year of age or about 6 months after their first tooth comes in. The initial visit is quick and is usually more informational for the parent. You'll receive plenty of tips on how to care for milk teeth to keep them healthy and cavity-free.

After the initial visit, a dental checkup every six months at a family friendly dentist office should be enough. This way, by the time your child is old enough to develop a fear of strangers or new locations, they’ll already be quite familiar with your dentist.

Visit a Family Friendly Dentist Office

Your child's first visit to the dentist is a major milestone. It should be a positive experience that will help set the stage for future experiences at the dentist. That's why your choice of dentist is so crucial.

Finding a family friendly dentist office can take some time and research. Ask for referrals from friends, family, and even your pediatrician. You can also go the extra mile and read online reviews. Keep in mind that not all reviews on the internet are created equal. For instance, a one-star review complaining that a dentist wouldn’t reschedule an appointment is much different than one from someone who felt the dentist was not very gentle with their child. 

Check for reviews that detail how safe and welcome the child felt at the office. This way, you’re assured your child will have a positive experience.

Use Pretend Play to Your Advantage

Pretend play can be a great way to ease your child’s anxieties and familiarize them with what happens at the dentist. Answer all their questions and make sure to use positive language. Act like you’re the dentist when brushing your child's teeth and encourage them to care for the “teeth” of their dolls or stuffed animals. Soon they’ll associate going to the dentist with lots of fun.

It's also important to let your child know they'll be visiting the dentist well in advance. Just bring it up a few times without going into too much detail; otherwise, their little imaginations will run wild, and they'll dream up some scary scenarios.

Positive Dental Experience at Millrise Dental

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for kids. Our family friendly dentist office can help ease these fears and is highly experienced at keeping children calm and comfortable during their checkups. Call today to schedule an appointment for the whole family.