Sit the child down and treat them to a stern, lengthy lecture about the virtues of dental hygiene, touching on its necessity for achieving good health and an attractive appearance.
That’s the kind of advice you might expect to find in a 19th century guide to parenting. We’re sure such a guide would contain good tips on how to avoid getting run over by horse-drawn carriages, although modern parents prefer a more empathetic (and effective) approach to alleviating dental anxiety.
Fear of going to the dentist is a common problem among children. It is estimated that 16% of school age children have dentophobia – three times the rate of the population at large! Considering that one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated tooth decay, it is crucial for every parent to ensure their child feels comfortable at the dentist’s office. Doing so can help them enjoy a healthier, happier adulthood, as well as benefit from a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Obstructed breathing. Pain and discomfort. Fear of the unknown and feelings of powerlessness. These are all reasons why so many children are averse to visiting the dentist. Here’s what any parent or caregiver can do to help their child overcome dental anxiety!
Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Checkup at the Right Age
A child should have their first dental checkup by the time they turn 12 months old (or within six months of getting their first tooth). That initial checkup will give the dentist a chance to assess whether baby’s teeth, jaw, gums and other oral tissues are growing and developing normally, as well as address any of the common baby teeth problems if they’re present.
Just as importantly, scheduling your child’s first dental visit by 12 months of age will also help them grow accustomed to what ought to become a routine part of their lifestyle. Fear of the unknown is a powerful thing. It is best defeated by turning the unknown into the ordinary!
Set a Good Example
Children who practice good oral hygiene at home are far less likely to require discomforting care at the dentist’s office. That’s why it’s even more important to teach your child to floss every day, brush twice a day, and avoid eating large amounts of sugary foods.
We probably don’t have to remind you of who your child looks up to most: you. If you fearlessly attend your own regular dental checkups, then your child’s most influential role model will set an example they’ll most definitely want to follow. We’re not necessarily advising having your child present while you’re undergoing a root canal, of course, but letting them know that you’re receiving dental care for your own good will illustrate the attitude they should grow up to espouse.
Don’t Let Your Child Wonder What Will Happen to Them
Fear thrives wherever there is uncertainty. You may feel like your life will be easier if you keep your child’s upcoming dental visit a secret, but doing so can only increase their surprise and alarm when the day of their appointment arrives.
Naturally, there is only so much you can explain to a 1-year-old. But as they enter their toddler years, your child will become old enough to grasp the very basics of dental care. Explain that the dentist and dental hygienist are their friends, who will help them get rid of all the nasty cooties that make teeth turn brown and fall out. It can’t hurt to mention that Spider-Man and Princess Elsa both regularly visit the dentist as well. And if you aren’t sure of the experience that awaits your child at the dental clinic, simply call ahead and ask for a quick rundown.
Do exercise caution, however. You would be well advised to avoid words with negative connotations. Using the word “radiation” to explain how X-rays work could stir up anxiety, for example. So too might using the word “drill” to describe the process for treating a cavity.
Choose a Child-Friendly Dentist
Not all dental clinics are created equal. Some are drab, utilitarian or downright off-putting, with unfriendly “medicinal beige” color schemes and surly staff. These dental clinics unnerve children for the same reason they unnerve adults. Go figure: people feel greater anxiety in ugly, uncomfortable places.
Fortunately, many dental clinics are exactly the opposite. Take All About Teeth, for example, where there are welcoming colors, lots of natural light, cuddly stuffed animals, and happy, friendly staff who are committed to allaying our most sensitive patients’ anxiety. You can tell at a glance that we are fully invested in providing true family dentistry!If you live in the greater Logan, UT area, then the All About Teeth team is standing by to make your child’s dental appointments as low-stress as possible. Contact us today to learn about the extra lengths we go through to accommodate and reassure our youngest patients! We’ll be delighted to help your child get their best start in life.
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