If you’ve ever taken your child to a dentist, you probably know that the experience can either be very pleasant or very unpleasant depending on your child’s reaction. You see, some children actually enjoy visiting the dentist—maybe because they like the attention they receive, or because they like having their teeth cleaned. Still, other children may be afraid of paying a visit to the dentist.
If you have a child with dental anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help. One thing you can do is take your child to the dentist at an early age. Typically, we recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment about six months after their first tooth comes in. This will give them time to adjust to dental visits. Another important thing you can do is avoid speaking negatively about the dentist and letting your dentist explain treatments your child may need.
You should also remember that it’s important to teach your children about how important their oral health is. You should also explain that your child’s dentist will keep their teeth clean, which will help them stay healthy. Similarly, if you stay relaxed while at the dentist’s office, your child will probably be more relaxed as well. In fact, your child may be able to tell something is wrong if you’re tense.
Finally, please remember to be understanding. If your child struggles with visiting the dentist, please help comfort and support them. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help your child with dental anxiety, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 912-354-9541. Dr. Groover and our team will be happy to answer any questions you have. We’re excited to hear from you soon.