Every child has different needs when it comes to dental care. Some simply feel more anxious or afraid of visiting the dentist than others. Here, our Smile Town Langley dentists suggest some techniques for you to relieve your child's dental fear and anxiety leading up to and during dental appointments.
For many children, the idea of going to the dentist can be frightening.
Laying on a chair while someone you don't know very well pokes around in your mouth with metal tools can even make adults anxious!
Here are some ways you your Smile Town Langley dentist team can combat your child's dental fear and anxiety, and encourage them to look forward to regular dental appointments and the improved oral health that comes with them.
Our Dental Office is Designed With Kids in Mind
At Smile Town Langley, our office space and dental service is made for kids. We work to make your child feel at ease from the moment they enter our practice.
You and your child can wait for your appointment in our engaging kid-friendly reception area or in the Theatre Room.
Our dental professionals also have a ton of experience working with kids. They are caring and cheerful, and they know how to make kids comfortable.
Start Early
Dentists recommend you bring their child in for their first appointment 6 months after they first tooth emerges, or at 1 year.
Introducing your child to the dentist early and taking them for regular check-ups and cleanings goes a long way towards helping your child get used to it.
Prepare Your Child in Simple, Positive Ways
When speaking to your child about the dentist, don't go into too much detail. Keep your descriptions of a dental appointment short, simple and to-the-point. Stay positive and be realistic.
You might even consider introducing your child to some of many books about dentist appointments.
If they have more questions, focus on positive phrases like "the dentist is going to make your teeth healthy and strong."
Be Careful With Your Words
If your kid is already anxious about going to the dentist office, try to avoid any kind of negative words. Word like "pain," "pinch," "needle," or "shot" will stick out to them, even if you qualify them as "not being too bad" or "only a little."
If you are anxious about the dentist yourself, it is important to avoid showing your child how you are feeling. They look to you for guidance on how to respond to new things, and if you are anxious or nervous, they will be too.
Be Ready For Fuss and Tantrums
Even if you've done all of the above, there is a chance your kid will still feel anxious and will express those feelings when their appointment begins.
Don't worry though, our dentists work with children all the time and know what to do in event of treating a patient who is having a tantrum.