Let’s face it – no one wants to have an all-out battle when taking their kids to the dentist. Just like adults, many children face certain fears and anxieties when it comes to routine dental care and procedures. Although it can seem like an insurmountable obstacle to tackle, here are a few ways to establish a good relationship early on between your child and the dentist. 

Be A Good Example

Make sure you are modeling a healthy, positive attitude when it comes to dental care – both at home and when going to the dentist. Children are quite adept at picking up on cues from adults, so keep that in mind as you talk about your own experiences with the dentist. Use a positive tone and reiterate that the dentist is dedicated to helping others stay healthy and well, and that they take great care in how they handle routine cleanings as well as necessary procedures. When you exude confidence and trust in your dental professional, it’s likely that children will follow your lead. 

Set Expectations

Visits to the dentist may inspire a fear of the unknown in children, especially when they arrive to large x-ray machines and metal instruments that squirt water while making loud hissing noises! Talk through the visit before arriving at the practice, setting appropriate expectations for your child so they have a feeling for how the appointment will go. Most dentists that specialize in pediatric dentistry are well-versed in how to address any discomfort or apprehensions a child might have, so setting expectations will help children be open to the dentist’s efforts to put them at ease. 

Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home

If children are already familiar with regular brushing and flossing at home, it gives you the opportunity to relate certain aspects of the appointment with activities that are already part of their daily routine. For example, let the child know that the hygienist is cleaning their teeth just like they do when they brush at home…only with a turbo-charged toothbrush! Connecting with normal home routines is likely to help the child relax and understand what’s happening during different parts of the exam and cleaning. 

Choose the Right Dentist

The right dentist can make all the difference in the world for a child, setting the tone for their view of dentists throughout their life. Choose a practice that is warm and welcoming for the child when arriving to appointments, so they feel comfortable and safe both prior to and during the exam and cleaning. It’s important that the dentist take time to acknowledge and engage with the child, creating a connection that will leave a positive impression on kids who might otherwise spend a lifetime afraid of the dentist. 

It’s very important to establish a good relationship between children and the dentist early on in life. Routine dental care is an important part of overall healthcare both in childhood and throughout the adult years. If you live in St. Augustine, FL, give Dental Remedies a call today to begin a lifetime of great oral healthcare for your child!