Kids, just like adults, are bound to experience bouts of anxiety and fear when it comes to dental visits. This is common, and as a parent, you should not be worried or force them to visit the dentist unwillingly. This only makes it worse, because they may not be able to communicate their fears like adults.
The best thing to do is to ensure that you help them deal with the fear and understand that a visit to the dentist does not have to be frightening. With enough assurance, kids can have pleasant dental visits, just like adults.
How to Make Them Feel Comfortable
Let Them Know That You Understand Their Fear
Children might be terrified, but all they need is some understanding and being made aware that it is okay to be anxious. Let the child know that it is a normal feeling when something they are not familiar with is about to happen.
They adapt quickly and can deal with their fears when they know that an adult understands them rather than being hard on them. Once they understand this, they will want to know how to deal with fear.
Reassure Them That All Will Be Well
Once you have made the child know that you understand their fears, reassure them of their safety and well-being. Let them know that as much as they are scared, things will turn out fine. Children need to know that adults care about their welfare so they can trust a situation.
Ensure that a dental visit is quick and straightforward, especially if it is just a routine check-up. This will help them relax and know that they got nothing to worry about.
Set Their Expectations
You will need to ensure that the child knows the exact details to expect at the doctor’s. Set their expectations right. Let them know what the visit entails and what is involved in the whole process. This will make the child trust you more.
You might have to consult the doctor or search online for the specific procedure so that they know what to expect. Do not tell a child it will be a routine check-up, while in real sense, they are going to get a tooth extraction. This creates disappointment, and subsequent visits are bound to be worse.
Let Them Know They Can Trust the Dentist
Make sure you choose a great “dentist near me”, and let the child know that they can trust them. Ensure they are friendly towards the child so they can help ease their fears upfront. You can even call in and have the dentist talk to your child to build trust before you head to their office. A child will feel safe if they know the person who will be handling them and like them.
Promise To Accompany the Child to the Dental Visit
What else would a child enjoy than the parent’s company? Don’t let someone else be the one to take your child for the dental visit. Promise them that you will be going with them and that you will be there for them throughout the session. This will automatically make them feel safe.
Reward Them If They Behave Well During a Visit
Rewarding good behavior is beneficial in building positive habits. If your child went for a dental check-up and behaved well, was calm throughout, then reward them with something they like.
This will make any follow-up visits easy, as they are likely to behave well too. Let them know that the reward will be an on and off thing so that they also do not become dependent on getting rewarded for everything.
Make the Visit Exciting
You can choose to add some fun to the planned dental visit. This has to start days earlier to set the mood for a fun visit. Make the child excited about the dental visit. You can even let them know that they can bring along their favorite toy! Small details like this will make your child very excited, and they will look forward to the day of the visit.
A “Dentist Near Me” Is Waiting for You
Kids need a little effort to help them deal with a situation, and dental visits are among them. Once they are comfortable and settled, you do not need to worry much about how they will handle the situation. You need to do your part as the adult/parent; then the rest will be handled by the dentist.
