How to Help a Child Who Is Terrified of the Dentist

If your child is terrified of going to the dentist, then you may be tempted to allow her or him to stay home. This solution, however, can do long-term damage to the teeth. Instead, work on making your child feel more comfortable at the dentist's office.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dentist-related toys and books

1. Take your child to a child-friendly office. A pediatric dentist may be a good alternative, since the office will be geared toward children.

2. Get your child accustomed to the idea of the dentist by periodically playing "dentist." Be sure in your play to include a face mask, a recliner and various toy "dental instruments." Let your child be the dentist first, and talk about why a mask is needed and what she or he will do as a dentist.

3. Read some books about going to the dentist. This will also help your child get used to the concept painlessly.

4. If your child still seems frightened, take him or her to the dentist with you on your own visit, with another adult to supervise. Stay calm and positive throughout the visit, and let your child see what the dentist is doing as much as possible.

5. Bring some of your child's favorite toys to the visit. You can use them to distract your child during the checkup if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the dentist know beforehand about your child's fear. If the dentist is well prepared, then she or he will likely treat your child much more carefully, which can make the difference between a "terrifying" visit and a calm one.

References

• Doctors, Dentists and Kids
• How should you prepare your child for their first dental visit?