Dental phobia or odontophobia is estimated to plague as many as 35 million Americans, according to the 2012 book The Fearless Smile: Overcoming Dental Phobia. The anxiety generated from booking an appointment and visiting a dentist can be so extreme that in some cases patients have gone decades without seeking out basic dental care. Regular visits to your dentist in Tijuana will keep your kids’ teeth pearly white, but it’s common for them to resist. Kids might see the dentist office as a scary place, with bright lights shining in their eyes and tools that make loud noises.You don’t want your child to be afraid of the dentist, so you’ll have to do a bit of work in making sure that there are positive associations with the idea.
6. Introduce your child to our practice outside of any procedure
One of our central goals is to help children have a more positive view of going to the dentist. We feel that preventing and alleviating the fear associated with dental visits is important in encouraging future overall oral health. The first visit to your pediatric dentist should be relaxed and non-formal. Starting early usually ensures that this visit can be more of a “meet and greet” and won’t involve any major procedures.
5. Avoid Scary Words
Try not to make a big deal about going to the dentist. If your child does ask, talk mainly about “cleaning your teeth” and don’t use words like “hurt”, “scary” or “shot”. A routine cleaning shouldn’t hurt and there’s no reason that your child needs to associate going to the dentist with pain.A pediatric dentist is comfortable working with children and won’t make your child feel bad for feeling afraid. They might also have cute names for the equipment or things like sunglasses to block the bright light. A pediatric dentist will work hard to put your child at ease.
4. Understand your own fear
Recent studies have shown that a parent’s own fears of the dentist are transferred to your child. Evaluate how much of your fears are substantiated. Consider which conversations about your own dental care are appropriate for your child to hear. Kids aren’t the only people who are afraid of the dentist. Many adults avoid going as well, waiting until a dental problem becomes painful before trying to take care of it. If you’re anxious about going to the dentist, your child will pick up on this energy.
Watch your words when it comes to talking about your experiences with your kids. Saying things like “I hate the dentist” or “The last trip really hurt” are going to influence your child’s attitude. If you struggle with going to the dentist, work on yourself as well. Try to create more positive experiences.
3. Prepare for the dentist
Make going to the dentist a truly fun event. You can build excitement for the experience and plan a fun day that centers around the visit. Above all else, it’s important to stay positive.
Your child will sense your mood and will respond to it.
2. Avoid Bribery
Many experts do not recommend promising your child a special treat if she behaves well at the dentist. Doing so will only increase their apprehension. Saying, “If you don’t fuss or cry, you’ll get a lollipop,” might make your little one think, “What’s so bad about the dentist that I might want to cry?” Promising a sugary treat also sends the wrong message after a dentist emphasizes having clean, healthy teeth by avoiding sweets that can cause cavities. Instead, after the visit is over, praise your child for her good behavior and bravery. Every once in awhile, surprise her with a sticker or a small toy as an encouragement.
1. Emphasize the Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Teach your child that visiting the dentist is a necessity, not a choice, and that the dentist will take care of his teeth so that they are strong enough for him to eat. You might also explain that the dentist helps keep cavities at bay and ensures that his patients will have a beautiful smile for years to come.
