For most kids, going to the dentist can be a scary experience. If your child is one of them, helping them overcome their fear now will ensure will establish a healthy relationship with oral care throughout their life. Here are a few suggestions for helping your child move past their fear. 

How to Help Children Overcome Dental Anxiety

1. Practice During Playtime

Playing pretend games about dental visits can be a fun way to get your child ready for a real dental visit. Make believe you’re the family dentist and your child is the patient, using a toothbrush and mirror to act out a typical appointment. Then have your child pretend to be the dentist, using a doll or stuffed animal as the patient. Visit your local bookstore or library to find picture books about kids at dental appointments, then read them aloud together and give your child a chance to talk about their fears if they wish.

2. Explain the Importance

Help your child understand that dental office visits are a necessary part of taking care of their health. Explain that getting a professional teeth cleaning to remove “sugar bugs” from their teeth will help them avoid having to get fillings, and emphasize that maintaining good oral health habits means they can continue to enjoy all their favorite foods and have a nice smile. For very young children, treat their first dentist appointment as an exciting milestone so they feel they’re doing something important that big kids and grownups do.

3. Make It a Positive Experience

Avoid bribing your child to coerce good behavior, but after a successful appointment, offer rewards such as stickers, small toys, or a special outing. Praise your child for their bravery and good behavior while emphasizing all the enjoyable aspects of the appointment, such as the nice people who work at the office. By providing this type of positive reinforcement, you can help your little one grow to think of going to the dentist as a positive experience.

William B. Collier Jr., DMD in Enterprise, AL, has been promoting dental health and creating beautiful smiles for over 35 years. Whether you’re looking for a pediatric dentist or you need a crown, bridge, or root canal, Dr. Collier and his compassionate team are dedicated to providing you and your family with the personalized care you deserve. Call (334) 347-5026 today to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.