It’s not uncommon for children to be afraid of visiting the dentist’s office. If you don’t address the situation, however, it can lead to a lifetime of poor oral care. Luckily, there are many ways to help your child overcome this fear while they are still young. Below are three suggestions to help ease their anxiety. 

Helping Your Child Overcome Their Dental Phobia

1. Make Positive Associations

Your child needs to see the dentist in a positive light so explain the importance of a healthy smile and avoid talking about shots, cavities, and drills. Discuss oral health with them so that they begin to see the dentist as a helper rather than a source of discomfort and pain. Though it can take time, gradually these positive associations will outweigh their fear.

2. Organize a Pre-Visit

Familiarity is another way to help your child feel comfortable. If they’re visiting a dentist for the first time, schedule a pre-visit with the staff. You can take your child to the dentist office and let them explore. If allowed, they may be able to view the dental cleaning area, meet the hygienists and dentist, and get an overall sense of the place. When they return for their appointment, they’ll feel more in control and relaxed.

3. Provide Distractions

To eliminate your child’s final fears the day of, bring along distractions. Load a music player or smart phone with their favorite songs or bring a portable video game device or tablet they can watch movies on. Having a distraction can often keep any feelings of anxiety at bay, giving them something familiar and comfortable to focus on instead.

Ready to schedule your child’s next teeth cleaning? Dentist William B. Collier Jr., DMD, of Enterprise, AL, is committed to creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for patients of all ages. He brings 35 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry and can address a number of oral health issues. He believes in educating his patients and takes every measure to ensure they preserve their smiles. Call (334) 347-5026 to schedule an appointment and visit his website to learn more about the practice.