For a child, going to the dentist can be a scary experience, full of new people, equipment, sensations, and sounds. Dental fear is not uncommon in children, but demystifying the experience and allaying your child's concerns will help them manage their anxiety and see their dentist as an ally. Here are a few tips for parents looking to ease their child's fear of going to the dentist.

How to Help Your Child Ease Their Fears of the Dentist

1. Tell Them What to Expect

Much of a child's dental fear stems from anxieties and uncertainties about the unknown. Before the appointment, educate your child about what they can expect from the process. Explain that the dentist is a friend who helps them care for their teeth. Discuss some of the more typical dental instruments, like the small mirror, the probing tool, and the high-powered tooth-polisher. Tell them what their appointment will involve in age-appropriate terms. Encourage any and all questions and give honest but succinct answers. When a child has an idea about what to expect, they will be less apprehensive about the dentist.

2. Avoid Caffeine & Sugar Before the Appointment

Food and drinks with caffeine and sugar can have an excitatory effect on the brain and body, so avoid these before the visit to the dentist. Instead, have your child eat a light meal consisting of a healthy complex carbohydrate, like oatmeal, a sweet potato, or brown rice. Carbohydrates can produce feelings of calm that will be helpful during the appointment.

3. Bring Along Music & Earbuds

If your child has some favorite music that helps them calm down or sleep, bring it to the appointment along with earbuds. Put the earbuds in to help the child divert their attention toward something more pleasant. The music will also serve to mask some of the uncomfortable sounds that can come with a dental procedure.

Dispelling your child's fears about the dentist will also help them become more involved in their own oral health and wellness. Dental Distinctions provides general and cosmetic dentistry services to patients of all ages, and they are here to ensure your child has a positive experience at the dentist. For over 20 years, they have been serving the Flathead County, MT, region with an array of dental treatments, including teeth cleanings, veneers, and same-day crowns. Call (406) 755-4166 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.