As the wife of a dentist I love when people tell me they hate going to the dentist. I always think–“you know that’s my husband you’re talking about, right?” Obviously, I realize they’re not literally talking about my spouse. However, even before I married Mike I never felt that way about the dentist. Therefore, it’s hard for me to relate to that feeling. Today I’m sharing some ways to help ease your child’s anxiety, and hopefully your own! Maybe we can even get them to look forward to dentist visits. This easing anxiety about pediatric dental visits post is sponsored by Michael J. Young, DDS, Inc. located in Foresthill, California and links contain affiliates. All opinions are completely my own.
have better pediatric dental visits
I’ve often wondered when this negative association with the dentist starts. I it as a child? Or not until we’re adults? Either way, I think our children follow our example in most things. So if we’re anxious, they are more likely to be so as well. Here are some tips for better pediatric dental visits.
start with healthy habits
The best thing you can do is teach your child the best oral hygiene practices. Keep in mind, that some trouble with teeth is hereditary. However, taking good care of their smile will help to ensure that excessive dentist visits aren’t necessary. Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist when they recommended. For babies, their first dental visit should be when they reach one year old, or when they get their first tooth, whichever happens first.
| Read: National Children’s Dental Health Month Activities |
set the example
The best thing you can do is have a positive attitude and act like it’s no big deal. That way, your children are more likely to follow suit and just roll with it. You should definitely prep you children for going to the dentist and not spring it on them. However, be sure you’re doing it in a positive way and not acting like it’s anything to be scared about.
read all about pediatric dental visits
A great way to prep your children for the dentist is by reading to them! When you spend time with your children you’re reassuring them that you’re there for them. You also let them know that they’re safe with you. They’ll have a better understanding that you really do want what’s best for them. They need to know that you wouldn’t take them to the dentist if it was scary or dangerous. There are so many great books about going to the dentist and having a healthy smile, grab some get reading!
Do you have any favorite picture books about going to the dentist? Leave your recommendations below!
9 Responses to easing anxiety about pediatric dental visits
Those are great tips! All of my kids love going to the dentist. I think it’s because we started taking them early, even if it was just to accompany an older sibling!
Love all of these ideas! I was never afraid of the dentist as a kid either (as long as I didn’t have to get a needle, haha) and I think it was because I went from such a young age that it wasn’t anything new or scary.
Great tips! I especially like the idea of reading them stories to help reassure them. I always turn to books to start conversations about difficult topics— but never thought of it for the dentist!
Great suggestions! I especially like that you can find books for the situation. So helpful!
Great tips! I was really scared of the dentist as a kid and of needles too!
Such great tips! My kids are always nervous about the dentist!
We have a great pediatric dentist and my kids love going. We have to change due to insurance changing and THAT is what gives me anxiety.
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