We know, we know. Going to the dentist can be bloody terrifying.
It’s one of those phobias that feels rational. It’s strange to have someone poking around in your mouth. Sometimes those fillings can be uncomfortable. There’s always the possibility of painful surgery, or the awkwardness of being told off for not flossing.
But as a parent, you won’t want your child to pick up a dentist-phobia so bad that it deters them from their checkups.
Going to the dentist is important, we know this. But unlearning a fear is tricky. What’s an easier option is helping your child to not develop that fear to begin with.
So how do you do that?
Get started early
‘It is important that children visit the dentist at a young age, preferably around age one, so they develop a good rapport with the dentist and get used to the dental setting,’ says Dr Anjum Jahan.
Establishing that comfort early on will prevent problems down the line.
Take kids to a paediatric dentist
Don’t just go to your regular dentist when you’re easing your children into the process.
Go to an expert in paediatric dentistry, who will have specialist training to help kids feel relaxed and engaged, plus tools such as toys, balloons, sticker books, and colourful instruments.
‘There will also be a greater number of children at the clinic which may help ease anxiety of the child,’ adds Dr Anjum.
Lead by example
‘Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, they learn this behaviour from adults (usually parents) who have had previous bad experiences and have conversations in front of children about their fears,’ notes Dr Kailesh Solanki, dental expert for Dentalphobia.co.uk.
Try not to express your own anxieties around visiting the dentist in front of or to your children. If you suffer from a phobia, avoid bringing along your children when you’re having treatment – they will pick up on your fear and learn to follow the same response.
Let them ask questions
Knowledge is power, and it really helps to lessen anxiety.
Allow children to ask their dentist questions, and get them to be introduced to different dental instruments gradually, so they know exactly what to expect each time they visit.
‘Watching videos and reading books about visiting the dentist is another way that can help reduce the child’s anxiety and reinforce the idea that dentists aren’t all that scary as they are made out to be,’ Dr Anjum suggests.
Teach them about oral health
Help your kids to understand why they need to visit the dentist.
Dr Anjum says: ‘This way there is likely to be less resistance and the child will have more of a motivation as to why they need to visit the dentist.’
Have positive chats about the dentist
Dr Kailesh advises: ‘The best way to prevent your child developing a fear is to have positive conversations with them about the dentist around the time that you brush their teeth.
‘I often advise parents to say things like “the dentist is going to be really impressed with how well you’ve been cleaning your teeth”.’
Reward good behaviour
‘Giving your child a treat after visiting the dentist is another way to reinforce positive thoughts around dental visits,’ adds Dr Kailesh. ‘As long as they are not sugary of course!’
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