Taking your child to the pediatric dentist can cause several emotions, from anxiety to fear. Dental care plays an important role in your child’s overall well-being, which is why it’s essential to help them conquer their fear. If your child experiences anxiety before their pediatric dentist appointment, consider trying the following three tips to calm their nerves.

 3 Ways to Eliminate Dental Stress

1. Introduce the Dentist Early

One of the best ways to help your child acclimate to the pediatric dentist is to take them at a young age. Schedule an appointment between the ages of 12-18 months to introduce your child to the dentist. During these early exams, the dental professional will count teeth, show your child their instruments, and get them comfortable with the process.

2. Choose Your Words Carefully

While it’s fine to recognize your child’s emotions as normal, you don’t want to make going to the dentist a big deal. Avoid using fear-fueled words like hurt, pain, shot, or sharp before their appointment. Instead, incorporate more kid-friendly terms to describe what will happen at the appointment, such as the dentist will look for sugar bugs or will look at their smile.

3. Talk About Oral Hygiene

If you have an older child with dental anxiety, discuss the importance of brushing their teeth and taking care of their oral health. Demonstrate the necessity of seeing the pediatric dentist and that it’s a part of routine health care.

Taking your child to the pediatric dentist doesn’t have to be a stress-filled appointment. Teach responsible oral care and offer positive reinforcement for a job well done. William U. Britton DDS, MAGD, is located in Chillicothe, OH, and offers a complete line-up of dental health services. Whether you need a pediatric dentist or are looking for cosmetic services, this team has the expertise to meet your dental health care needs. To learn more about their comprehensive services, visit their website or call (740) 772-2225.