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Does the thought of visiting the dentist stress you out? If so, you are not alone. Up to 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist out of fear. Since a serious phobia can lead to a lifetime of oral health problems, it’s essential to make children feel comfortable in the dental chair from their very first teeth cleaning. Below, the friendly team at Alpine Family Dentistry in Eagle River, AK, explains how to ease your kids’ fears before every appointment. 

Start Early & Go Often 

Since nothing is scarier than the unfamiliar, you can ease much of a child’s fear of the dentist simply by scheduling regular appointments from an early age. Introducing kids to the dentist when they are five or six years old may already be too late. If they start going from the time their first tooth comes in, though, getting a professional cleaning will not seem so foreign as they get older.

If your kids need more than just a routine cleaning at some point—maybe they develop cavities, for example—it’s natural for them to have some apprehension about the treatment. However, explaining what they can expect will go a long way to alleviate stress. 

Practice at Home 

dentistKids love playing “checkup.” To show your children that going to the dentist can be a fun learning experience, buy some simple tools like a dental mirror, X-ray images, and bib. Then, practice examining each other.

This will not only get your kids comfortable with someone touching their teeth but will also provide an opportunity to teach them about good oral hygiene habits. If you have any fillings, you can explain how they developed in terms the kids will understand and how they can avoid getting cavities of their own. 

If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming dentist who will provide quality care for the whole family, turn to Alpine Family Dentistry in Eagle River, AK. For more than two decades they have been treating patients of all ages for affordable rates. Whether you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening or restorative procedures like dental implants, you can rely on their team for quality care from start to finish. Visit their website to explore all of their services or call (907) 694-2409 to make an appointment today. 

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