Some kids love the dentist because of the attention they get and even seem to enjoy having their teeth cleaned. Some children are also excited by getting a new toothbrush or a toy after visiting the dentist. Conversely, many children won’t enjoy visiting their dentist. In fact, some children may even bite their dentist because they’re scared.
If you have a child with dental anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help. One thing you should do is take your child to the dentist at an early age. Typically, we recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment about six months after their first tooth comes in. This will give them time to adjust to dental visits. However, while these early visits are important, there are a number of things you can do yourself. Specifically, please remember to avoid speaking negatively about dentists—specifically in front of your child. You should also avoid trying to explain what treatments your child might need from our dentist. You see, dentists are specifically trained to speak to children, meaning their explanation could leave your child more comfortable.
You should also remember that it’s important to teach your children about how important their oral health is. You should also explain that your child’s dentist will keep their teeth clean, which will help them stay healthy. Similarly, if you stay relaxed while at the dentist’s office, your child will probably be more relaxed as well. In fact, your child may be able to tell something is wrong if you’re tense.
Finally, please remember to be understanding. If your child struggles with visiting the dentist, please help comfort and support them. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help your child with dental anxiety, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 540-657-0867. Dr. Rai and our team will be happy to answer any questions you have. We’re excited to hear from you soon.