Kids Afraid of the Dentist? 4 Ways to Help Them Feel More Comfortable

Guest Post by Rachelle Wilber

Children are an interesting bunch. They’re often a combination of fearful and fearless. It isn’t uncommon for kids to dread visits to the dentist. If your child lives in fear of dental appointments, though, there are things you can do to change that for good. It’s critical to instill the importance of strong oral health in young kids. It’s critical to do anything you can to banish their concerns, too.

Schedule an Appointment with a Pediatric Dentist

Dentists who specialize in pediatric care have a lot of experience with youngsters who are apprehensive. If you want to make your child feel better about their upcoming appointment, you should reserve one with a tried and tested pediatric dentist. It can be a good idea to search for an emergency dentist who takes a painless approach to oral health

Tell Your Child about Your Own Experiences

Talk to your child openly about your experiences with dental care during childhood. Tell her that you used to worry about dental appointments. Tell her that you realized after your appointments, however, that you had nothing to worry about at all. You can even reveal that you enjoyed your dental examination and cleaning sessions. Let your child know that dental care can actually be fun.

Discuss the Value of Strong Oral Health

Discuss the dangers of neglecting oral health. Talk to your child honestly about tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Make sure your child understands that routine dental appointments and cleaning sessions are essential. These appointments help in keeping plaque accumulation, decay, and other oral health issues at bay as well as identifying any orthodontic work (click here) that may need doing. Tell them about the dangers of ignoring oral health concerns. Some people who get gum disease end up losing all of their teeth. This can lead to speaking and eating difficulties.

Make Dental Hygiene a Fun Bonding Activity

You can take charge of your child’s fears by making dental hygiene practices fun. You can establish a nightly routine that revolves around brushing your teeth together. Teach your kid all about effective and thorough brushing practices. Show him the importance of flossing and using mouthwash as well. It can help to encourage your child to associate dental health with fun and relaxation. Participating in dental hygiene activities together may make dentist appointments seem a lot less daunting.

The dentist may seem scary to your child. That fear doesn’t have to last, however. There are all sorts of ways to do away with dentist appointment anxiety in kids.

More about Rachelle Wilber

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping at the beach or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

*Article and photos courtesy of Rachelle Wilber