5 Tips to Make Your Child Feel Comfortable at the Dentist

A trip to the dentist can make even the bravest adults a bit anxious. So it’s no surprise that many children are also intimidated by the dentist’s chair. The strange, sterile environment and unusual tools can make any youngster nervous about getting their teeth checked.

Many parents will often avoid booking dental appointments for their kids because the struggle is too overwhelming. Although this may seem like a quick solution, depriving your child of regular check-ups is actually doing more harm in the long-run.

According to a report from the Canadian Dental Association , nearly 2.3 million school-days are missed each year due to dental-related illness. Meanwhile, tooth decay accounts for one-third of all day surgeries performed on children between the ages of 1 and 5.

A child’s overall well-being is intricately linked to the state of their oral health. That’s why we’ve come up with 5 tips to help your child feel more comfortable at their next appointment.

Tip #1: Begin dental visits at a young age

One of the best ways to familiarize your child with a dental setting is to bring them in early. Babies as young as 1 can be brought in for a quick look to ensure their baby teeth are coming in nicely. Because most children this young can’t sit still, this is really just an opportunity for your little one to get to know his or her dentist. By instilling a sense of belonging early on, future trips will be less of a battle.

Tip #2: Keep things simple

No need to overwhelm your youngster with all the gritty details of what goes on at the dentist. In their mind, scary things are happening when those metal instruments are poking around in their mouths. And the sound of a dentist’s drill is enough to send those little minds racing. Unless your child needs to know the details to feel comfortable, keep the explanations to a minimum.

All your child needs to know on the way over is that the dentist is doing a simple check to make sure they’re brushing twice a day. You could even say the dentist will be looking for ‘sugar bugs’ so they can be cleaned away. Avoid telling war stories about that time you had a root canal, or the day grandpa got dental implants because all his teeth fell out.

Do yourself (and your child) a favour by keeping things simple. There’s no need for your little one to know all the painful details, especially if they’re going for a routine check-up. Always frame visits to the dentist as an opportunity to have fun, as opposed to a dreaded task.

Tip #3: Do a pretend visit beforehand

In the weeks leading up to the appointment, spend some time playing pretend. Re-enact all the things that typically happen at a dental clinic. This includes checking-in at reception, listening for your name to be called in the waiting area, and finally being escorted to the dentist’s chair.

Take turns playing dentist and patient. If you’re acting as the dentist, be sure to interact with your child in a positive and friendly manner. Pretend to lay them down, most likely on your couch, and gently poke around in their mouth with a clean toothbrush or small teaspoon. Compliment your child on their good brushing habits, and remind them nicely that flossing is important too. Then spend a few minutes slowly counting all their teeth.

Avoid making ‘drilling’ noises or pretending to use ‘sharp’ instruments. And don’t forget to switch roles when you’re all done. Let your child take his or her time ‘working’ on your teeth. Playing pretend is an excellent way to familiarize your youngster with the process, so they’ll know what to expect on the big day.

Tip #4: Let the dentist do the explaining

Many dentists are trained to deal with children, so it’s best to let the professionals handle any questions or explanations. Avoid describing the appointment beforehand using words like ‘pain’, ‘needle’ or ‘hurt’. Instead, let your dentist explain what the visit will entail once your child is in the chair.

Dental professionals will be able to speak to your child in a way that is friendly, thoughtful and unintimidating. This is also a chance for the dentist to build a special bond with your child -- that will hopefully continue in the years ahead.

Tip #5: Reward your child for a successful visit

Once the visit is over, don’t forget to acknowledge your child’s good behaviour. Compliment them on the courage and patience they displayed during the appointment. This praise will boost self-confidence and help them realize a trip to the dentist isn’t so bad after all. You could go one step further and provide a reward as well. Cook their favourite meal, treat them to a movie or let them stay up an extra 30 minutes with mom and dad. By offering an incentive, your child’s perspective on going to the dentist will begin to change.

Pickfair Dental is Pickering’s top choice for family dental care. Our team has the expertise to make your little one feel comfortable and right at home. With us, you can trust your child’s teeth are in good hands.

For more information, contact Pickfair Dental at 905-831-7555 or contact us through the quick contact form below: