For children, visiting the dentist in Phoenix can be a scary thing! After all, it’s an office filled with unfamiliar objects, strange people in odd clothes, and a big chair that looks like it could swallow a youngster alive. However, your child’s dental anxiety is no reason to let your little one’s oral health go by the wayside. It’s your responsibility as a parent to keep that precious smile in great shape. Here are a few tips to help your kid conquer their fear.
Set a Good Example
Some parents choose the “Do as I say and not as I do” method to teach their children, but that probably won’t work when it comes to dental care. Be sure to take care of your own oral health by visiting your dentist every six months or so. Let your child accompany you to your appointment. That way, they can meet the dentist and observe what happens during a routine cleaning and checkup. Thanks to your positive attitude, they may just decide that dental appointments aren’t so terrifying after all.
Be sure to be enthusiastic when you’re at home, too. Don’t speak about going to the dentist as if it is something to dread, and don’t tell your child about any past negative experiences you may have had when you were getting dental work done.
Fight Fear With Fear
When your child understands the consequences of neglecting dental care, they may become more afraid of rotten teeth than they are of the dentist. You can use educational videos and photos to show your young one what happens when people don’t take good care of their teeth. They might come to appreciate that the dentist’s job is to prevent those bad things and keep your child’s smile looking and feeling great.
Find the Right Dentist
Many dentists love to work with children and strive to create a welcoming environment for young ones. A family dental care provider who goes out of their way to make sure that children are comfortable may just be able to transform your kid’s views about their appointments. At Smile Fitness Dental Center, we can give your child a cozy blanket and let them listen to some cool music while they’re getting their dental work done.
Offer a Reward
Give your child something to look forward to after their dental appointment. You might plan a family outing to a local park, or perhaps you could prepare a special (tooth-friendly) dinner. Finding the right perk to motivate your child might overpower their anxiety and help them get through their appointment without a hitch.
Don’t allow your child’s anxiety about going to the dentist damage their precious smile! The above tips might just be able to transform your baby’s attitude about oral healthcare.
About Smile Fitness Dental Center
The team of doctors and staff at Smile Fitness Dental Center welcomes patients of all ages and wants everyone to be comfortable in the office. We’ll do our best to make your child love going to the dentist in Phoenix! Please feel free to contact us at 623-849-0477 if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.