When it comes to kids and the dentist, it's common that little ones can be afraid of the tools and new experience. But, fortunately, there are ways parents can help them develop a healthy relationship with the dentist’s office so that they aren't fearful when their bi-annual appointments roll around. North Bullitt Family Dental in Shepherdsville, KY, has been serving families in the community for over 15 years. Here, they share some top tips parents can use.

4 Tips to Avoid Kid's Fear of the Dentist 

1. Practice at Home

Role play dentist and patient at home so that your child can get comfortable with the dental vocabulary. When it's something fun at home, you can remind them during their dentist visit that teeth cleaning is fun and they practiced already. And, have them start brushing teeth and watching you do so, too to get more familiar with the practice. This can help deter the attention away from fear of tools and bring it back to playtime.

2. Bring Them in at an Early Age

When kids start things early on, they become more comfortable with it as they grow older. Try bringing them in around the age of one — or whenever their first tooth breaks through so that they can begin to get comfortable with the dentist. Just having them sit in the dentist chair and having someone look around in the mouth can teach them early on that there's nothing to be afraid of.

3. Be Mindful of Your Words

While root canals and tooth removal can be painful, it's important to avoid saying 'dentist' alongside negative words and situations. Since kids can pick up things from an early age, if they hear that you had a poor dental experience, they will begin to associate the dentist with fear. So, always use positive words when talking about dental care.

4. Bring Along a Comfort

Sometimes little ones nervous, and that's okay — even expected. If you're worried they'll be fearful, bring along their sibling or favorite stuffed animal to hold their hand throughout the appointment. This little bit of extra comfort can go a long way in ensuring they don't panic when sitting down in the chair.

It's important to find a dental practice that's well-equipped to help you with family dentistry, root canals, cosmetic dentistry, and beyond. If you're looking for a trusted and experienced family dentist in the Shepherdsville, KY, community, look no further than North Bullitt Family Dental. The team offers evening and Saturday appointments to make it convenient for the whole family. To learn more about the services they provide, visit them online or call (502) 955-1606 to set up your first appointment today.