As parents, it’s only natural that we want to protect our children whenever we can. So, if your kids feel anxious about going to the dentist, it’s easy to simply put off going on a regular basis. But you could be doing your children a disservice by promoting an unnecessary fear that could lead to serious dental issues later in life.
At Paddington Dentistry, our experienced team works hard to ensure the comfort of your kids when they are in our Paddington, NSW dental surgery. We can help them discover that going to the dentist is nothing to be frightened about.
With these tips, you can help your child overcome dental anxiety.
#1—Good Communication Is Crucial
Don’t be afraid to talk about the dentist with your child. Let your kids know just what they can expect at the dental clinic—and well before you are pulling into the carpark for the dental appointment. Talk to them about how important it is to take care of our teeth and gums, and explain that the dentist is a friendly doctor who is here to help.
#2—Getting to the Heart of the Anxiety
It can also be helpful to get to the root cause of your child’s fear. For many kids, it is the fear of pain. Others have simply fallen prey to popular culture that the dentist is a scary place. Perhaps you, as a parent, have dental anxiety and your children have sensed this. Whatever they may be, addressing your child’s concerns and facing them can help alleviate dental anxiety.
#3—Maintaining a Regular Schedule of Visits to the Dentist
It might seem counterintuitive that going to the dentist more often can help quell fears, but not visiting the dentist every six months might contribute to your child’s fear of the unknown. With too much time between visits, kids may feel like each visit is a brand-new experience because they barely recall the last visit. Taking your child to the dentist on a regular basis gives the experience a more routine feel as well as the knowledge that the dentist is not a scary place.
Dental anxiety does not have to be a part of your child’s life. If your child is fearful, be sure to let us know before you come in. Our friendly team will work hard to put your child at ease. We invite you to schedule a booking.
