How to Get Your Child Excited About Their Dental Visit
This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.
It’s normal for children (and adults!) to feel apprehension about dental appointments. For parents, finding ways to make the dentist something to look forward to takes a weight off their shoulders. How can you make the dentist less scary and more fun for kiddos? This is a job that both parents and dentists must take on together. We want your child to have a great experience just as much as you hope for that too. Parents and dental offices that work together can make going to the dentist fun.
So what can parents and dental offices do to get kids excited about dental care?
Use Positive Language Around Dental Care at Home
Certain words and phrases can sound scary when talking about the dentist. We tell parents, “No four letter words!” Avoid words like “shot,” “hurt,” and “pain” which might have negative associations for your child. Be positive. Explain that the dentist needs to care for their teeth and help keep their smile healthy. Do whatever you can to keep your child’s attitude positive about the dentist. Don’t project your own discomfort about the dentist onto your child and let your child’s dentist guide and shape their experience.
Explain What Your Child Can Expect at a Dental Visit
Sometimes anxiety comes from fear of the unknown. You can assuage this fear by explaining what might happen at a dental visit in kid-friendly language. This is something your dentist may do for your child as well. At Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas, our staff makes sure to explain procedures beforehand so that every child feels prepared for their appointment. It’s also ok to say, “I don’t know!” when your child asks and reassure them that the dental team will tell them everything they need to know.
Bring a Comfort Item
Bringing a toy, blanket, or headphones makes the dentist’s office feel more familiar and comfortable. Often, pediatric dental offices will have toys and comfort items for your child to borrow if they don’t have their own.
Plan a Treat for After the Appointment
When we say “treat,” we aren’t talking about candy! Consider taking your child to do something fun after their appointment. Go to the park or schedule a playdate for them. When we have something to look forward to, it’s easier to do things we aren’t thrilled about. Excitement for the treat after their appointment can become excitement for the appointment itself. And remember, the dental office should have rewards for your child, like bouncy balls or stickers. These can be something your child looks forward to as well.
Visit a Dentist Who Makes the Experience Fun
Your child’s dentist should care about making their visit a positive experience. Check out Google reviews, look for ones where parents comment that their child actually looks forward to the dentist, as well as other positive feedback. A pediatric dentist knows how to ease the fears your child may have. They should have state-of-the-art equipment to make procedures easier, faster, and more comfortable. There should be decor that makes kids feel welcome, such as bright colors, play areas, and TVs. Shop around until you find a dental home your child loves.
A Pediatric Dental Office in Dallas That Makes Dental Visits a Positive Experience
Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas is staffed by the most caring, patient team of doctors, dental assistants, and hygienists, as well as office staff who make everything run smoothly from the get-go. If you’re looking for a dental office that makes dental visits fun, look no further than CDND. If your child needs dental care, schedule an appointment with us today. Click here to schedule. Remember, the earlier we instill healthy habits like going to the dentist, the more at ease kids feel in this routine.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to be anxious about dental visits?
Yes, it’s normal for children, and even adults, to feel anxiety around dental care. Finding the right dental home where your child feels comfortable can take a lot of stress out of the visit.
How can I help make dental visits positive for my child?
Positive language, explaining what to expect, bringing a comfort item, staying calm to model behavior, and rewarding bravery can all make going to the dentist a more positive experience. The dentist you choose also make a difference. Choose a kid-friendly dentist that your child feels comfortable with.
How can I prepare my child for their first visit?
Play dentist at home, read books about the dentist, and watch educational videos to make your child more familiar with what to expect.
What should I avoid saying to my child about the dentist?
Avoid words like “shot,” “hurt,” and “pain.” Use kid-friendly language.
Do rewards help?
Yes, rewards can turn dental checkups into something kids look forward to. Your dentist will likely have rewards for your child after their visit, but you can offer something to reinforce good behavior as well. Think extra story time or going to the park to play.
