When children fear the dentist, it can affect their oral health. Even if they visit a kids’ dentist every six months, fussing at every appointment will prevent them from receiving the care they need. Although an experienced children’s dentist knows how to put patients at ease, there’s only so much they can do if the child is throwing a tantrum. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways parents can relieve dental anxiety and ensure every oral exam and cleaning goes smoothly. Here, the friendly team at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage shares what they are. 

3 Tips for Helping Kids Overcome a Fear of the Dentist 

1. Keep It Simple

Children are incredibly curious, which means parents can expect a lot of questions before every dental appointment. When answering such questions, keep your responses simple. For example, if they ask what the hygienist is going to do, you can mention brushing and flossing, since they should already be familiar with both. As for the exam, simply say the dentist is going to count their teeth and check their smile. 

2. Read Books on the Subject

There are many fantastic children’s books on visiting the dentist, and you can get many of them for free at your local library. If you run out of answers to your kids’ questions, head to the library and see if there’s a book that offers another approach. This will not only provide a fun outing but will also remind them that since everyone goes to the dentist—even their favorite characters—there is nothing to fear. 

3. Examine Each Other’s Teeth 

When children are already familiar with someone poking around their mouth, they are less likely to fuss during the actual appointment. Practice examining each other’ smiles, and count your teeth together. Then, when a kids’ dentist asks them to “open wide,” it won’t seem so scary or foreign. 

If you’re looking for a friendly kids’ dentist in Anchorage, turn to Alaska Dentistry for Kids. Led by Dr. Chris Coplin, this practice is proud to provide comprehensive oral health care for children. To request an appointment for your little one, call (907) 274-2525, or visit their website to learn more about their services.