For some people, especially children, the thought of going to the dentist can induce irrational fears. There are certainly many reasons which can help explain the root cause of this — for example, your child may have had a bad experience in the past, or it could just be the fact that dentists have so often been portrayed negatively in the mainstream media. Regardless of the reason why, it is best to confront these fears as soon as they manifest because the sooner your child becomes accustomed to the dentist, the healthier and happier they will be. Here are some of the best ways to help confront your child’s fears and help to create a positive association with trips to the dentist.
3 Ways to Overcome Dentist Fears
1. Listen to Soothing Music Before and/or During The Cleaning
Bring along your smartphone and play some of your child’s favorite music during the appointment. It also helps to explain the situation to the staff ahead of the visit and let them know that your child has some anxiety surrounding dental procedures. Sometimes just helping them to express their fears can alleviate a good degree of tension.
2. Schedule Your Appointment at a Time That’s Good for You and Your Child
If you know that you have a stressful day — or week — ahead for your family, don’t make the mistake of scheduling your appointment during this time. Sometimes stress can compound, making your child even more vulnerable than they would be otherwise. Be kind to them and yourself, and try to make an appointment when you can guarantee that the ambient tensions will be more relaxed.
3. Remember That You Are Doing What Is Best For Their Future
Undiagnosed dental issues can lead to many medical problems, so taking care of your child’s teeth and gums from an early age is the right and wise thing to do. You should feel confident in your decision to help them take control of their health from an early age.
Keep Your Family’s Teeth Healthy with the Help of AC Pediatric Dentistry
Taking a child to the dentist can be a tiring, embarrassing, and frustrating experience. At AC Pediatric Dentistry, we understand this, so we want to make the experience pleasant and fun for children. Call us today or request an appointment online.