When it’s time to take your child to the dentist, it’s perfectly normal for them to express feelings of nervousness or anxiety. Dental phobia is a common occurrence for adults and children, keeping many people from visiting their dentist regularly.
Because regular dental exams are essential to your oral health, overcoming dental anxiety is important. So, what are some tips for patients nervous about visiting the dentist?
10 Tips to Ease Dental Anxiety
There are many things you can do to reduce your child’s anxiety about visiting the dentist, so try a combination of these tips to help them feel less nervous:
- Set up a meet and greet — We encourage new patients to visit our dental office for a tour and to meet our dental team members. If your child knows what to expect before their actual dental appointment, it can help. Also, if your child had a negative dental experience, you can talk to the dental team about it.
- Role-play at home — Kids love to play pretend, so you can play dentist to make them feel more relaxed and comfortable. When you’re playing, talk to them about what will happen during their dental appointment.
- Choose your words wisely — When talking to your child about going to the dentist, be careful about your words. Avoid words like pain, blood, shots, and needles because this can add to your child’s anxiety.
- Arrive early — On the day of your child’s dental appointment, be sure to get there early so they can adjust to their surroundings.
- Bring their favorite toy — Sometimes, a favorite toy or stuffed animal can help your child feel calmer during their appointment.
- Read books about dentists — There are several children’s books about going to the dentist, so incorporating these into your routine can help.
- Schedule wisely — Be mindful of when your child takes a nap, and avoid making an appointment during that time.
- Talk to your older children — If you have older children, talk to them about saying positive things about going to the dentist.
- Expect fussiness and control your voice — It’s best to expect your child to act out a little during their appointment, and it’s essential not to raise your voice or show frustration when they do.
- Let the dental team lead — The dental team at All Smiles Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry understands children's dental anxiety and is trained to help ease it.
Do You Have Questions about Dental Anxiety in Corona, CA?
We welcome your call if you have questions about your child’s dental anxiety. At All Smiles Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, we aim to provide stress-free dental care. You can reach us at (951) 356-4018 for more information.