Many kids can feel overwhelmed or anxious when it is time for a family dentist appointment. While you want to keep their teeth healthy, it can be stressful for you along with your child if they are crying or fussing. It can be tempting to use any means necessary to get them to go into the dentist’s office! Here are some simple ways to help your children feel more comfortable at the family dentist:
- Play Pretend Dentist – Just like so many kids play doctor or school, you can help them have fun with oral care and know what to expect at the family dentist through hands-on roleplay. Get them to pretend to be a patient while you play dentist and teach them about brushing and flossing. If they are still uncomfortable, practice together on one of their stuffed animals. This helps them to know that the dentist is not a scary place!
- Use Positive Words – Avoid triggering or fear-inducing words such as pain or hurt and instead aim for positive phrases that make the visit sound fun. The family dentist team will be able to use their own vocabulary to help your children understand what they are checking.
- Stay Calm – No matter how you prepare, some kids will still wiggle or cry and not want to go through with a dental appointment. Trust your family dentist to build their confidence since they are used to working with children. They will be able to guide you as to whether it would be helpful to stay and hold your child’s hand or to keep distance.
