“But I don’t wanna! No!”
It is estimated that nearly 30 to 40 million Americans have a deep-rooted fear of the dentist that causes extreme anxiety and in some cases, an avoidance of getting their teeth checked all-together. That’s why it’s important for parents to introduce their children to the dentist at a young age, encouraging regular check-ups to create a positive attitude and healthy habits.
If your child expresses fear of the dentist, the dental equipment or what will happen during the exam, you can put their fears to ease with informative, but not scary talks leading up to the day of the appointment. You do not want your child to have a traumatizing experience at the dentist, so it’s important they feel safe and secure so they continue to practice a healthy dental regimen the rest of their life.
To help get your child acclimatized to the dentist, make sure you begin their dental hygiene early. Enforcing good care of their teeth will help get your child into routine healthy habits. If you or your spouse fears the dentist, be sure to not convey that onto your child. Lastly, begin dental checkups at an early age so that your children will feel comfortable with visits. If you sense hesitation from your child about their first dental appointment, ask the front desk if they can give a tour of the dental office before your child’s appointment so they feel more comfortable about their surroundings.
Most dentists have been trained to speak to children in a non-threatening way and to simplify terminology so your child will understand what is happening. If your dentist’s approach seems unfriendly or threatening, consider seeing a different dentist for your child. If a pediatric dentist is available, that might be another option to explore. Not only do they specialize in dealing with children; they know how to make children feel safe during the checkup.
Be sure to maximize your child’s visit to the dentist anyway you can. Seeing a dentist is an important life tool, and quelling anxieties before they become full-fledged phobias is essential to the health of your child.