How to Get Kids Accustomed to the Dentist

Adults are often accustomed to visiting the dentist, whether it’s for regular check-ups, cleaning treatments, cosmetic dentistry, dental implant procedures, and even full mouth restoration. Upon having children, this is something that needs to be passed on to them. As with many other aspects of their development, you are - consciously or unconsciously - going to set an example for them to follow, so try to make it a good one.

Routine dental appointments are critical to your dental health, which is something that you should make your children aware of as early as you can. It’s important that you educate them about how vital dental hygiene is so that they can care for their own teeth, as well as be comfortable with the dentist caring for them too.

This being said, getting your child to feel okay about going to the dentist can be a daunting task. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you do just that.

Share your experiences

If you want to encourage your child to be comfortable with going to the dentist, it can really help to talk openly about it. Fear often stems from being exposed to the unknown, so sharing your experiences can make them feel calmer and more prepared ahead of their own appointment. For example, if they have lost one of their adult teeth and require a missing tooth replacement, you might be able to tell them about a time you had a similar treatment.

Familiarise them with their dental practice

While this may not always be possible, it can also help to get them accustomed to visiting their dental practice and allow them to become familiar with the treatment room. Even just taking them with you to check-ups may be enough to gently introduce them to how it all works. Allowing them to see you calmly undergo treatment will hopefully teach them there is nothing to worry about.

Be patient

Try to remember your first experience with the dentist - were you scared? It’s highly likely that you were; after all, it’s a brand new experience and is understandably daunting. Therefore, it’s worth being patient with your child and allowing them to come to terms with this new experience at their own pace. If they are scared, try not to invalidate their concerns - instead, talk through any worries with them and use practical, honest examples when trying to dispel their fears.

It can also help to explain dental procedures to your children - in simple terms - so that they know what to expect and why they need to have the treatment. Understanding why dental health issues occur and how dentists can help will hopefully make them feel like the experience is valuable and worthwhile.

Are you or your child in need of dental treatments in Southampton? Get in touch with Acorn Dental Health today - we offer a wide range of treatments for both adults and children. If your little one is scared ahead of their appointment, please let your dentist know - they will go above and beyond to make your child feel comfortable and calm prior to beginning treatment.