How to Keep Your Child From Fearing the Dentist

Many adults fear going to the dentist. Think how much scarier it must be for children, to whom the whole experience is still relatively new. The good news is that children rarely have such extensive dental problems as adults often experience. After all, it takes time to get your teeth that messed up! So, although the novelty of the experience may be a little frightening, once kids get over that initial nervousness they really do have little to fear. And although dentists these days no longer give out lollipops, many will give out stickers or even toothbrushes to help their young patients look forward to (or at least stop dreading) the next visit. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothbrush
• Child-sized flossers
• Kids' anti-cavity rinse
• Pediatric dentist

1. Look for a pediatric dentist, one who specializes in treating children's teeth. Make sure the office is child-friendly, too, as children tend to be less fearful in friendly, caring environments. Look for a place where the staff are all used to and fond of children and where there are ample toys, children's videos, and other amusements.

2. Ask the dentist what type of sedation is available for children in need of more extensive procedures than a routine cleaning or cavity filling. Be sure to do your homework and look into all of the risks and benefits of the different forms of sedation and/or general anesthesia, and never agree to a procedure you do not feel comfortable with for your child. When it comes to general anesthesia, ask if there is a pediatric anesthetist on staff, as children's needs are different from those of adults and they need more careful monitoring.

3. Introduce your child to dental visits early in life. Although in years past many parents were told that children need not visit the dentist until they were three or four (or in some cases even older), these days it is recommended that you start bringing your child for annual dental checkups starting at one year of age. This way, not only will your child have some early familiarity with the dentist, but the dentist will be able to assess any early risks and treat them before they turn into real problems.

4. Practice good oral hygiene at home to help make sure that your child will not need more than an easy cleaning session when it is time to visit the dentist. Use a child-sized soft toothbrush, child-sized flossers or a waterpik, and a children's anti-cavity rinse.

5. Model good dental hygiene for your children. Make sure you, yourself do not express any fear of the dentist, either. Never use the dentist as a threat to make your children brush their teeth.

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