What can you do to stop your child from being afraid of the dentist?
How can you prevent a fear of dentist visits from developing in the first place? What can parents already do at home to help their child feel comfortable going to the dentist?
It’s worth starting dentist visits early.
Unfortunately, children often go to the dentist for the first time only once a dental problem has already appeared — usually a toothache. In that case, it’s almost inevitable that a visit to the dentist becomes associated with something negative — pain. To avoid this, we recommend starting regular dental check-ups as soon as the first teeth come in — this way, the child gets used to visiting the dentist without ever being troubled by toothache. Early visits are more about getting familiar with the setting — the dentist explains, in a friendly way, what actually happens at the dentist, how the treatment chair moves up and down, and so on.
It’s definitely worth avoiding phrases before a dentist visit that can have the opposite effect, like “don’t be scared,” “the doctor won’t hurt you,” or “there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Children should be calmly explained why they’re going to the dentist, and why proper daily dental care matters in the first place.
We’re genuinely delighted that the dentists working at Meliva are wonderful with our youngest patients. It’s a real joy to hear feedback from parents about how happily their children agree to come to the dentist, and how much they like their dentist.
To prevent dental problems and quickly address any issues that do arise, we recommend bringing children in for a check-up at least twice a year, unless the dentist has advised otherwise. It’s definitely worth visiting the dentist even when there’s no toothache — that way, the dentist can keep a consistent eye on the condition of your child’s mouth.
