A visit to the dentist can be a frightening time for kids. From hearing stories of tooth extractions and fillings on the playground, to mirroring their parents' own anxieties, your child may become quite resistant to a visit to the dentist.
Avoiding dentistry for kids because of their fears, or yours, is not a good option. According to Public Health England, tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people today. The impact of childhood oral disease is huge. Children needing dental treatment may have to be absent from school, and parents may have to take time off to take children to the dentist or hospital. Getting past the fear and visiting the dentist regularly is important for the physical and social health of your child.
Find a Dental Specialist for Kids
If you can find a paediatric dentist in your area, making an appointment for your child with this specialist is worthwhile. These specialised dentists have two extra years of training to deal with all the issues that can arise with your child's dentition. This makes them more reassuring to you as a parent, but a visit to a paediatric dentist's office will be a more comfortable experience for your child, as well. Everything from the waiting room to the exam room in a paediatric dentist's office is geared towards treating children and making them more comfortable.
Focus on the Positives
Don't wait until there are signs of a cavity before taking your child to the dentist for the first time. Begin regular dental checkups with your child early to catch any possible problems with your child's emerging teeth. Doing so will get your child accustomed to visiting the dentist's office, making it a positive place where they learn how to properly brush and floss and get their teeth shined up.
If you have waited until there is a possible issue, your visit to the dentist can still focus on the positive aspects of the visit. Explain to your child that the tooth needs to be fixed, and that the dentist or dental hygienist will teach them how to keep their other teeth from having the same problem. The promise of a small reward after the appointment can also make them look toward the experience with anticipation rather than trepidation.
Never Use the Dentist as a Threat
It is easy to try to curb your child's sweet tooth or overcome their resistance to brushing or flossing with warnings like "The dentist will have to pull out all your teeth if you keep that up!" Using the dentist as a threat can only increase your child's anxiety about appointments, and that anxiety can follow them well into their adult lives, with major repercussions for their oral health.