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Even a simple dental cleaning can be scary to a child, who may not necessarily understand what their dentist is doing or why. Fortunately, a good children’s dentist will know how to put patients at ease the moment they enter the office. Parents still need to get their children to the office, though, and they probably prefer to do it without their kids kicking and screaming the whole way. Below, Brandi Prather DMD PSC in Somerset, KY, shares three tips for helping your child overcome a fear of the dentist.

How to Help Your Kids Get Over a Fear of Visiting a Children’s Dentist

1. Make It Part of Their Normal Routine

Children are most scared of the unknown, so if you can make visiting the dentist feel like a normal part of life, your kids will be less likely to dread going. You can do this by taking them every six months, starting from the time when their first tooth comes in or when they turn one. If your child cannot remember a time when he or she didn’t go to the dentist, it will simply be a normal part of his or her routine.

2. Use Positive Language

children's dentistWhen your kids ask why they have to go to the dentist, do not talk about all the potential oral health issues they could develop. Instead, talk to them about all the benefits of having regular teeth cleanings. You can do this by using fun or positive phrases like “pearly whites” and “strong, healthy teeth.”

3. Take Advantage of the Available Resources

There are many fun and informative books, toys, and TV shows about going to the children’s dentist. The next time you take your family to the local bookstore, look for a few stories on visiting a dentist for the first time, and then read them to your kids before their appointments. When children know what to expect, they are less likely to be afraid. In fact, they may even become excited about visiting the dentist if their favorite character enjoys going.

If you are looking for a friendly children’s dentist in Somerset, KY, turn to Brandi Prather DMD PSC. You can learn more about the caring and compassionate team at this practice by following them on Facebook. To schedule your child’s first appointment, give them a call at (606) 679-5437 today.

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