Mask, face shield, surgical gowns, gloves….. It is not hard to understand why children think dentists are from Mars!  Regular dental visits are essential for good oral health, but visiting the dentists may be scary.   Children who are afraid of the dentists tend to become dental-phobic adults and a large percentage of them neglect the importance of oral health.  How can we solve this problem and help our children see a dentist and take charge of their oral health?  There are many things you can do!

 Get it Done before One!

Many professional organizations, like the Canadian Dental Association and the American Academy of pediatric dentistry recommend taking your child to their first dental appointment as soon as they get their first baby tooth, or no later than their first birthday. This early exposure to a dental home plays a big role in reducing the fear of future visits. Before your child is old enough to develop fear of a dentist, they would have been to the dentist a few times!  

No pain, Yes gain!

Toddlers are prone to trauma when they are learning to walk.  Research studies found that many children presented at the dental office the very first time because dental trauma resulting from falls.  If a child first visit was associated with pain or dental trauma, they are more likely to worry about their future visits.   A “no pain” checkup at the dentist does not only acclimatize the child for the visit but also help them set the right tone for their dental homes.    In case your children encounter dental trauma and they need urgent care, you will know where to go.  Your children would already be familiar with their dental home too and they won’t lament on their first visit being painful and daunting.  

Role Playing Is Important 

Children learn about the world around them through role play. Playtime is a great way to overcome the fear of the unknown.  Opportunities to play are everywhere.  You can transform to a pretend dentist while you are brushing their teeth. Teaching your child to brush and floss their teeth can easily turn into a “dental appointment”.  If you are willing, your child can reverse to your role and “examine” your teeth too.  Don’t forget their favourite dolls and stuffed animals are also waiting to be taken care of!

It’s just another day.

Kids feel safe and calm when their day is routine and predictable.  Childhood is full of new and unexpected experiences, none of which the child has the control to schedule.   Let your children know about their appointments ahead of time without putting too much emphasis.  Discuss about the dentist appointment as you would any other routine activity, a part of a normal day.   

Less is more.  Use Positive Language

Talk to your child about the upcoming dental visit using simple, positive language.  Give them a chance to ask question.  Reading children books (hyperlink please to another blog) about going to the dentist is a good reference of how much details you would like to go over.  Avoid mentioning words like pain and loud noises, as they might be hung up on those parts of the experience.  A playful and funny casual chat about how the dentist will count their teeth and clean them so they can keep their smile healthy is often all you need.   Leave the heavy lifting of explaining the technical terms,  like shots and cavities, for the dentist.  We use special lingo to do that. 

Stay calm and keep going

Children are very good at picking up clues from adults.   It is easy for them to feel you are worry or afraid of the dentists as well.  If you don’t think you will be able to deliver the message, we would be more than happy to do it for you.  Feel free to reach out so we can talk to your child about their upcoming visit as well.  There are also many other professionals, like behaviour interventionist and Child-Life specialists who can help prepare your child for their visits, especially when the appointments are more involved, like treatment under sedation or general anesthesia.

Wise Rewards

Everyone needs motivation.  Offering reward to connect with your child’s behavior is a great way to reinforce their positive behaviour.  Giving something your children look forward to after the dentist appointment also lessens their anxiety.  Yet kids can reach between the lines well. Parents often say: “If you do a good job at the dentist and don’t fuss or cry, we can go out for donuts afterward!”

On the surface, it sounds like a motivating statement.  Negative words such as “fuss” or “cry”, seem to suggest something bad may happen.  Instead, frame the reward as the result of positive behavior; like, “if you sit still and be respectful, you get a prize.”  Avoid sweets as a reward for dental visits if possible so the dentist and you will be sending the same message about decreasing sugar intake to optimize oral health. Rewards like a sticker, small toy or a trip to the park are always well received. 

You talk,We listen.

Open communication is the best way to tailor dental appointments to your child.  You know your child best so please tell us how your child responds to strangers, going to the doctors,  pre school, having a hair cut etc,   These experiences give us good clues about your child personality and temperament which are very helpful in fine-tuning our approach with your children. 

Bridge the gap. 

Sometimes, children may not have the maturity to cope and might still feel very on edge no matter what you do.  This might make routine dental work impossible, especially if they need a minor procedure done, like a filling.  It would be the time to consider adjuncts like laughing gas or oral sedation which may help to tame the worry dragon. 

Choose a Pediatric Dentistry Specialist

Pediatric dentists have special interest and training in taking care of your beloved.  We have special ways and equipment to make children at ease.   We strive to create an office environment that is welcoming to children.  In addition to four year of dental schools, pediatric dentists dedicate extra 2-3 years training for only seeing children.  

 Finding the Right team 

It takes a village to raise your child.  If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, look no further than our team who are dedicated only for children. Besides our pediatric dentists, everyone on staff is trained exclusively to make them feel safe and comfortable, from how to talk to them to how to ensure their safety during procedures.   

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary WeeOne exam and start your child on the right tooth for their first appointment!  We look forward to hearing from you at 604 638 6993!