“How to ease a child's nerves before the dentist?”
My daughter is petrified of the dentist and doesn't like the smell. How to ease a child's nerves before the dentist?
7 Answers
Have her watch youtube about dental visits. Choose the ones with positive feed backs.
Take her to a pedodontist. They specialize in children and will make them great patients.
A pre-visit to a dentist is recommended (where you take the child to meet the dentist and take a tour of the office to get them familiar with the environment). I also recommend that you go to a pediatric specialist, we are trained to handle nervous children and our offices are much more kid friendly.
As a pediatric dentist, this is why we are here to help! Communication is key. At our first visit, we would try to ask questions to figure our the root of the dental phobia. Once determined, we utilize our additional training to help that child become more comfortable. If there is a certain smell the child does not like, there are other ways we maneuver through the appointment without triggering the "smell"
Sometimes it helps to bring your child to the dentist for multiple visits that are short and relaxing. By doing so your child may become more comfortable with going to the dentist ultimately decreasing anxiety. When children overcome their fears of going to the dentist it makes it much easier for the patient, parents, and entire office staff.
You can read books or show videos that are a good introduction to the first dental visit.
Hello,
Many children are apprehensive about visiting the dentist. I like to recommend reading a storybook about going to the dentist before your child's appointment. For example, there are books with Peppa Pig, Elmo, etc., that can help a child understand what to expect during their visit to the dentist. I also recommend talking with your child about what the first visit will entail, discussing that we will "count their teeth," brush them, and possibly take some "pictures" (X-rays) of their smile. Pediatric Dentists are well trained and accustomed to working with children who are anxious or fearful and will work with your child to help them feel comfortable during their visit.
Thank you for the question,
Dr. Khajavi
Many children are apprehensive about visiting the dentist. I like to recommend reading a storybook about going to the dentist before your child's appointment. For example, there are books with Peppa Pig, Elmo, etc., that can help a child understand what to expect during their visit to the dentist. I also recommend talking with your child about what the first visit will entail, discussing that we will "count their teeth," brush them, and possibly take some "pictures" (X-rays) of their smile. Pediatric Dentists are well trained and accustomed to working with children who are anxious or fearful and will work with your child to help them feel comfortable during their visit.
Thank you for the question,
Dr. Khajavi
