Dental fear is common enough for adults and is especially prevalent in children. Visits to the dentist can be stressful for children, which can cause them to further try to avoid dental visits. Here are a few tips for helping your child overcome their dental fear. These can help you build a solid foundation for your child’s oral hygiene habits by ensuring that they visit the dentist regularly.
Choose a Pediatric Dentist
The right dentist can make all of the difference for your child’s dental experience. A pediatric dentist will be experienced at dealing with children and their dental fear. They will have all of the necessary techniques and methods for easing the anxious emotions of a child.
Give them Notice
Don’t try and keep an impending dental visit a secret from your child. Give them enough notice to mentally prepare themselves for the visit. Additionally, you should consider discussing the dental visit in detail with your child. This will help them know what to expect and will give them the opportunity to discuss any of their concerns with you.
Teach Coping Techniques
Before the dental visit, you should teach your child coping methods to help them deal with anxiety. These can include methods like meditation, deep breathing, and other techniques. This will help them to handle anxious emotions as they arise.
You need to be consistent regarding your child’s dental visits. Begin taking them to the dentist early on and at regular intervals to help build a firm foundation for their dental health. To learn more about the ideal ways to help your child overcome their dental fear, contact us at Mountain View Pediatric Dentistry today!