Is your son or daughter scared of the dentist? Are they nervous about their upcoming dental appointment? Encountering the unfamiliar sights and sounds of their dentist’s practice can be a somewhat overwhelming experience for your child. Thankfully, there are several simple ways you can help them feel more at ease in the examination chair. We share seven reliable tips that can help make your little one’s next visit great!
1.) Watch Your Words
Even if you have a bit of dental anxiety yourself, make an effort to talk to your little one about their upcoming appointment in a pleasant, upbeat tone. How you talk about dental visits will influence their opinion of them before they even go!
2.) Keep It Simple
As a parent, you already know that children ask a lot of questions. However, less might be more when it comes to visiting the dentist! There’s no need to go over unnecessary details, complex treatments, or your own bad experiences that may make them feel nervous. Instead, just tell them the dentist is going to count their teeth and look for “sugar bugs.”
3.) Play Pretend Dentist at Home
Demystify how dental checkups work by playing pretend at home! Have your child sit in a chair as you count their teeth out loud with a toothbrush to mimic what sitting in the examination chair will be like.
4.) Read Books About the Dentist
There are plenty of children’s books that can help your son or daughter understand what their checkup will be like. Familiar cartoon characters and colorful pictures can help them see that dental care can be easy and fun!
5.) Bring Extra Moral Support
If your little one has a favorite toy or blanket, ask your dentist if they can bring it along to their appointment. Many pediatric practices will also have toys of their own that your child may be allowed to take with them into the treatment area.
6.) Prepare for Some Fussing
Even with all your preparing, your child may still cry, whine, and wiggle during their appointment. Don’t panic! We have handled plenty of fussy patients in the past. The best way for you to help your little one is to stay calm and follow our team’s instructions.
7.) Talk to Your Dentist About Sedation Dentistry
Try as you might, your child may need a little extra help to overcome their fear of the dentist. And that’s ok! If your son or daughter is terrified of their upcoming appointment, sedation dentistry can help them comfortably get the dental care they need. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a safe, reliable, and quick way to help nervous patients relax all throughout their appointment. Call us today to see if this calming service is right for your little one.
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be your child’s favorite activity, but they shouldn’t have to dread it either! Use these simple yet effective tips to help your little one feel comfortable and confident about caring for their precious smile.
About the Practice
At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we aim to provide comfortable and effective dental care for the growing smiles of Nashua, Pelham, and the surrounding New Hampshire communities. With a compassionate dental team, family-friendly hours, and a variety of services, we go above and beyond to make caring for your child’s smile pleasant for both you and your little one. In addition, we use state-of-the art dental techniques and technology like nitrous oxide and the Solea laser to make sure your son or daughter gets the gentle, precise care they deserve. To learn more, we can be reached online or at (603) 880-5002.