Part of being a children’s dentist is navigating nervous little patients through their appointments. Dental anxiety is particularly common in children, so it’s our job to guide them with a gentle hand and make them feel as comfortable as possible. As a parent, there are also steps you can take at home to prepare your child for their upcoming checkup and clean — or whatever dental treatment is on the calendar. Here’s what they are — and also how you can implement them!

Frame Dentistry as a Positive Thing

Children absorb more around us than we realise. They often look to their parents for cues about how to behave or what to think. Knowing this, it’s best to watch your tongue when the topic of dentistry comes up — especially if you dislike the dentist yourself. Use positive language around dental topics, feigning enthusiasm if necessary, and avoid discussing the negative aspects of dentistry where possible. Be a model of serenity that inspires your child to think, “There’s nothing to worry about!”

Open a Discussion

Give your child an appropriate amount of time to mentally prepare for their appointment. You shouldn’t surprise them with their appointment at the last minute, as this can intensify their anxiety and potentially weaken their trust in you. However, you shouldn’t tell them about it days in advance, as this can sour their mood in the leadup. The best compromise is to tell them about their appointment the morning of, giving them time to process what’s happening and ask all their questions. When answering questions, be sure to maintain the positive language we discussed earlier, avoiding words like ‘hurt’ or ‘pain’.

Normalise Dentistry with Videos or Books

What do Elmo, Peppa Pig, and Maisy Mouse have in common? They’ve all starred in books or television episodes about going to the dentist — and they’re also not the only fictional characters who have. Children’s media is a fantastic touchpoint for learning about children’s dentistry, as it helps kids to familiarise themselves with the topic and set their expectations in a fun way. So, if your child’s feeling nervous about their upcoming appointment, try reading them a story or playing a video about going to the dentist. When they see Peppa Pig in a dental chair, they might realise that going to the dentist isn’t so scary, after all. Heck — they may even look forward to the experience!

Roleplay the Appointment

Roleplaying is a critical component of childhood development. Children can make sense of real-life situations by teasing out scenarios in the safety of their own home. So, if your child is dreading their upcoming dental appointment, why not leverage playtime to ease their anxieties? Encourage your child to roleplay their upcoming appointment with you.

Scenario 1

In the first scenario, you assume the role of the dentist while your child plays themselves. Sit them in their chair and hold their toothbrush, as this will bring familiarity into the scenario. Count and brush your child’s teeth, explaining what you’re doing and why oral hygiene matters. Then, it’s time for you to switch roles!

Scenario 2

This time, you sit in the chair as your child performs the ‘dental procedure’ on you. Playing the role of the dentist may help your child to understand the other perspective better, as well as feel more in control. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing an adult go through a similar experience to make a child feel at ease. Another way to tease out the scenario is to use soft toys or dolls as the ‘patients’.

Ready to Book the Appointment?

Feeling more ready to book that children’s dentist appointment now? Whether they need a routine checkup or something more serious, like a tooth extraction, Abbotsford Dental has all kinds of kid-friendly dentistry covered. We are also a children’s emergency dentist who can provide urgent assistance and keep your child calm during dental emergencies.

If your child is still feeling ill at ease despite your best efforts, you may want to look into sleep dentistry options. Sometimes, going under can be best, especially if they’re undergoing a slightly more involved treatment, such as white fillings. We’ve got everything we need to make your child feel comfortable, so book your appointment at Abbotsford Dental today. Let’s work together to take control of your child’s dental health — and make it as enjoyable as possible!