Going to the dentist is an essential part of maintaining healthy oral hygiene. However, children may feel anxious or scared when it’s time for their checkup. According to the CDC, 86.9% of children two to 17 years old have been to the dentist in the last year. You can help make your child more comfortable before you take them to their next appointment in many ways.

Tell Them Ahead of Time

It can be tempting to wait until the last minute to tell your child about the appointment. However, this can make your child anxious because they don't have as much time to prepare or process. Instead, tell your child when you schedule the appointment. Remind them a few days before the appointment so you have plenty of time to get ready for the appointment. It’ll give you time to address your child’s emotions about the appointment.

Mention the Appointment Purpose

Always be honest with your child about the purpose of the appointment. If your child is heading in for an annual exam, let them know there will likely be X-rays. Tell them about the process of teeth cleaning. Older children can also have anxiety about general dentists. Make sure you also tell them what will happen at the appointment. This is a great way to help children of all ages feel comfortable at the dentist.

Role Play the Dentist Appointment

This is a great way to help children of all ages feel more comfortable at the dentist, but make sure it’s age-appropriate. For younger children, pick up a dentist play set, and you can take turns pretending to be the dentist. Don’t forget to have pretend X-rays! Older children won’t love a dentist's playset as much. Instead, ask them what makes them uncomfortable at the dentist, and then practice doing that at home.

Use Anxiety-Reducing Techniques

Children of all ages can still feel anxiety when it’s time to head to general dentists. They may be scared they have cavities or uncomfortable with the dentist. Fidget toys can help give children something else to focus on while there. Kids can bring their security objects to help make them feel better. You can also sing them songs or read them a story. General dentists will help you discover ways to put your kids at ease.

We understand that children may feel anxious about going to the dentist, but there’s nothing to fear. We’ll work with you and your children to ensure a pleasant visit. Contact us at Aurora Dental today to schedule an appointment.