When kids are scared to visit the dentist, it can prevent consistent maintenance and necessary dental care, so it’s important to address it as soon as it manifests. As a parent, you play an impactful role in making sure your child feels comfortable during their visits and learns to trust the doctor taking care of their teeth. Here are a few ways to guide your child.

How to Help Kids Get Over Their Fear of the Dentist

1. Speak Positively

Avoid speaking about negative personal experiences. Let your child know that you like going to the dentist and how important it is to have clean teeth and gums. Use words like “clean, “healthy,” and “smile.” You can even use creative descriptions for dental issues, such as calling decay-causing bacteria “sugar bugs.” 

2. Role-Play

Staging a pretend visit can help your child prepare and be more comfortable with someone looking at their teeth. Set up a chair and play the role of the dentist. Hold up a mirror so they can watch you count their teeth and gently brush with a dry toothbrush. Talk about the tooth polisher and how it will make their teeth nice and shiny, and maybe it’ll tickle a little bit. Then switch roles for the next round. Give them a sticker or stamp at the end for a job well done.

3. Be a Good Role Model

Kids absorb and mimic parental behavior. Have them watch you brush and floss regularly so they can learn good habits. Additionally, let them go with you to your dental checkups, and talk to them about what the dentist is doing while you’re in the chair.

4. Visit the Office Before the Appointment

Make a pre-appointment visit so your child can get acquainted with the staff. Familiarity will help them feel more comfortable during the visit. Take the dentist aside and tell them a few facts about your child, such as sibling names or a favorite TV show. This can help them ease anxiety during the appointment.

5. Stay With Your Child

Anxiety may be present during the visit no matter how well your child prepares. Your calm and confident presence can be comforting while they’re in the chair. Hold their hand and let them squeeze if they get nervous.

With the right approach, your child will learn that visiting the dentist isn’t as scary as they think. Main Street Dental is a trusted family dental practice with over 30 years of experience putting kids at ease in La Crosse, WI. They offer preventive and restorative dentistry procedures for patients of all ages, and they pride themselves on their friendly approach and their emphasis on educating patients so they can have lifelong dental health. Visit their website for more information or schedule your appointment with Dr. Kujac today by calling (608) 784-4063.