Afraid of the Dentist? How To Calm Your Kids

Fear of the dentist can turn the semi-annual appointments for your kids’ dental checkups and cleanings into a nightmare.

Are you children spooked by the dentist? If yes, check out these tips to make their visits more relaxed:

1. Start early. The American Dental Association recommends children visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth or by age 1. Early visits give kids a chance to become familiar with the dentist and may help reduce anxiety down the road. 
2. Lead by example. If you’re nervous about the dentist, your kids might pick up on it and develop the same anxiety. A study showed that children whose parents or guardians expressed moderate to high fear of the dentist were twice as likely to be afraid of the dentist than children with parents who felt more at ease.

   Make a conscientious effort to demonstrate a positive attitude toward the dentist while articulating the value of regular visits. By modeling relaxed behavior, you can let your kids know there’s nothing to be afraid of. 

   To conquer your own dental fears, try these calming activities and tips.

3. Let books do their magic. Pick up library books that explain dental appointments in kid-friendly language. Popular options include
   • Curious George Visits the Dentist by H.A. Rey,
   • Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer and
   • Open Wide: School Tooth Inside by Laurie Keller.

   To build even more positive associations with the dentist, try bringing their favorite toy or game to appointments. 

4. Plan a “getting to know you” visit. Stop by the dental office beforehand so your kids learn what to expect. Introducing them to the dentist and staff without the stakes of an actual appointment can help them feel more comfortable in the environment. Do call the office first to inquire about their “open house” policy, especially during the pandemic.
5. Practice. Create a mock dental visit in your own home to play-act what happens in the dental chair. Pretend to clean your child’s teeth while explaining how visiting the dentist helps keep their smiles in tip-top shape. Or visit dental exhibits hosted at your local children’s museum or school, if available.
6. Use relaxation techniques. Teach your children some simple relaxation exercises. Instruct them to inhale and exhale slowly and steadily. You can also try a technique where they tense different muscle groups as tight as can be, then release.

It may take some time to reduce your kids’ anxieties, but your efforts will pay off in the long run. Preventive care appointments and cleanings are among the most important ways to keep your children cavity free.

When should your kids see the dentist?

Twice-annual dentist visits are recommended for most individuals. Try scheduling one of those visits for your children at the end of the summer, just before they are heading back to school. Here is why. 

And remember that those routine visits are covered at little to no cost to you by most dental plans, including Delta Dental of Arkansas.