It’s important to introduce your child to dental care as early as possible so they can associate positive feelings with the experience! Having a fear of the dentist can lead to avoiding treatment, which can increase oral health problems. However, if your child is afraid of going to the dentist, we’d love to help you with tips on how to conquer those fears.

  1. Don’t use negative language.

Whenever describing what it’s like to visit the dentist, avoid using words that might alarm your child. Words like “drill” “scrape” or any other pain-related words might increase their fears. Instead, when talking about a dentist appointment, point out how their teeth will be healthy and strong their teeth. 

  1. Read a book about the dentist.

If it’s their first time going, you might want to read a children’s book about going to the dentist. Fun books like Curious George Visits the Dentist or Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist can all give your child a positive introduction to the experience.

  1. Bring them to your appointments.

If possible, bring your child to your own appointment. By allowing them to see you sit comfortably and stay calm during your procedure, it will them understand there’s nothing to be afraid of either. 

  1. Have a sibling share their experience.

If they have an older sibling, have them talk about their experience at the dentist. Remind them to not use scary language and to make it as positive as possible. 

  1. Start as early as possible.

One of the best ways to ease dental anxiety is to bring your child to the dentist as early as possible. If they can get used to visiting the dentist at an early age, that can set them up for feeling confident about their dental care for life.

We Offer Help to Ease Your Child’s Anxiety

You’ll find that our practice goes the extra mile to make sure your child is comfortable. We’ll have a welcome sign with their name on it for when they come in. We’ll do fun magic tricks and even let them choose from our prize wall for a special treat. If your child is particularly nervous, we do offer sedation that is safe for children. We’re even trained in treating special needs patients too.

Ready to help your child ease their fear of the dentist? To visit Sprout and Bloom Pediatric Dentistry in Littleton, CO, call us today at 720-637-1760 to schedule an appointment or schedule online.