Did you know that nearly 20% of kids in the United States have reported a fear of going to the dentist? The number is even higher when you extend it to kids who have general anxiety about the dentist as well.
For Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield, this is just as much of a concern as any issue with your child’s oral health. We want everyone to feel comfortable and cared for when they visit us. If you have a child who may not enjoy a visit to our dentist’s office, follow these tips to keep them calm and positive before their next visit.
1. Drop by Before Their Appointment
Before your child’s actual appointment, try to drop by our dental office so they can familiarize themselves with it. A lot of the time, children get anxiety because of unfamiliar environments. Eliminate that factor by letting your youngsters meet the team and learn the office surroundings without the pressure of their appointment.
2. Don’t Use Negative Language
It’s already scary enough having to get dental work, and your child shouldn’t have to worry about potentially scary things. While you may want to be upfront and honest with them, it’s best to avoid negative words, such as “ouch” and “hurt.”
3. Practice at Home
Again, your child’s familiarity with things will provide significant comfort when they go in for their appointment. Not only should you bring them in prior to the big day, but you should also practice at home so they know what to expect.
4. Don’t Complicate Things
Transparency is good to have with your children, but sometimes, explaining too much can confuse them and add to their anxiety. They may have tons of questions surrounding their upcoming visit, and it’s perfectly fine to answer them all as succinctly as possible.
5. Bring Them to Your Appointments
You’re a huge role model to your kids, which means if their hero can do something, they can do it too. If you have a checkup soon, bring your child with you so they can see exactly what the dentist does for Mommy or Daddy. They can see how friendly everyone is and how there’s nothing scary going on at the appointment.
6. Be Present for Your Child
At the appointment, make sure to hold your child’s hand when the situation calls for it, but also be prepared to step back if the dentist feels like the two of them need some breathing room. Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Stuart Scott, has decades of training and experience in dealing with young patients, so you can trust him and how he approaches your child’s fears or misgivings about going to the dentist.
Pediatric Dentistry at Parkcrest Dental Group
While many children fear going to the dentist, it doesn’t have to be the case with your kiddo! With lots of patience and support, you can make dentist office appointments a fun thing, or at least something your child shouldn’t be afraid of. Remember to always use positive reinforcement to get the best results possible. If you want more tips and information ahead of your child’s next visit, call us at 417-887-1220.
