Helping kids manage their fear of the dentist

 

In reality, there really isn’t any reason to fear the dentist. They help individuals get the smile they want and deserve through necessary dental treatments. However, some kids may have an irrational fear of the dentist which can prevent them from having their teeth checked. Adults can encourage kids to manage their fear of the dentist.

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Find friendly dentists. Dr. Kami Hoss and The Super Dentists help kids feel comfortable and at ease in every time they visit for a check-up or a procedure. It’s also important for parents to have confidence in the dentist and their staff in order for the child to feel the same. Prepare the child for the visit. Answer questions about the dentist truthfully and avoid downplaying their anxieties. Encourage the child to talk about what makes them afraid or nervous about the visit.

Adults may have the tendency to make dental visits seem scary, especially for kids. Instead, make the visit enticing. Read books and watch videos about dentists that are kid-friendly to build their excitement. Use the right words when talking about dental visits. Rather than using words that might evoke negative reactions such as “pain,” “shot,” or “hurt,” use positive, kid-friendly words like “healthy,” “clean,” and “comfortable.”

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Explore the dental office. Parents can arrange for the dental staff to tour the child around the office to help them see there is nothing to fear. They can even let kids hold kid-friendly dental tools for a little role playing before the actual procedure.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is also a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. Read more about Dr. Kami Hoss here.