You mention the dentist…and suddenly there are tears, stomped feet, and protests echoing through the house. Don’t worry, many parents go through the exact same thing when it’s time for a tooth check-up. It doesn’t mean your child is naughty or being difficult.
The truth is, even a quick trip to the dentist can be a very scary experience for kids. The bright lights, uncomfortable prodding, and strange-looking dental instruments are a lot for little nerves to handle.
But if those fears aren’t eased early on, they could grow into a full-blown dentist phobia. You’d be surprised how many adults out there still get shaky at the thought of the dentist’s chair!
In this guide, we look at why so many kids hate going to the dentist – and how these fears can be understood and gently overcome.
Why the dentist is so scary for kids
When a child steps into the dentist’s office, it’s like stepping into a completely different world – which can really throw them for a loop. Here are a few of the most common reasons it gives them the jitters:
Not knowing what to expect
Kids get used to their daily routines – school, playtime, bedtime, repeat. Then, suddenly, a dentist visit gets thrown into the mix out of nowhere.
When they don’t know what’s going to happen (and what it’s going to feel like), their imaginations can run wild. Sometimes, not knowing is even scarier than the visit itself.
Fear of pain
Kids often think that going to the dentist is going to hurt. Maybe they heard someone talk about a rough visit or saw something scary on TV, and now they’re sure it’ll happen to them, too.
Too much sensory stimuli
For kids who are sensitive to sights, sounds, or touch, a visit to the tooth doctor can be a lot to handle. The whirring tools, bright overhead light, and even the smell of the clinic can easily overwhelm their little senses.
Past negative experiences
If a child (or their family member) has a bad first appointment, they’ll usually remember those negative feelings the next time dental problems pop up. Like anxious patients of any age, just the thought of going back can make them tense up.
Feeling out of control
For a lot of kids, lying back in a chair while someone works inside their mouth feels strange – and not being able to talk or move easily can make them feel powerless or trapped.
How to make kids feel comfortable at the dental practice
For all the reasons we just explored, even the bravest little ones can feel nervous walking through the dentist’s door!
Still, dental work is essential for a child’s overall health and wellbeing, so it’s not something that can be avoided. And with a bit of patience, prep, and relaxation techniques, you can ease dental anxiety in your child.
Talk about the dentist positively
Instead of making the upcoming appointment a big announcement, try dropping the dentist into everyday conversation in the days leading up to the visit. Maybe mention how dentists help keep everyone’s teeth strong and healthy, or even that they’re friends with the Tooth Fairy!
When it’s time for their visit, your child will have built up some positive associations with the dentist and oral health, and it won’t seem as scary and unfamiliar.
Stay calm and reassuring
Kids pick up on their parents’ dental anxiety – even when you think you’re hiding it. So, if you notice some second-hand anxiety creeping in, take a few deep breaths or do something calming before the appointment. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your child will be during dental procedures. Here at Love-Teeth, we offer Children’s Inhalation Sedation to help calm extremely nervous children. Just in case.
Bring a comfort item to the dental clinic
Let your child take something familiar from home like their favourite teddy, blanket, or headphones with music or a story they like. A comfort item helps kids feel more settled in an unfamiliar place and gives them something to hold onto if their dental care starts to feel a bit overwhelming.
Choose a child-friendly dental team
Finding a dentist who’s great with kids – someone gentle who knows how to put little minds at ease and soothe dental fears – is incredibly helpful.
A child-friendly dentist will chat in a way kids understand and make them feel comfortable from the moment they walk in til the moment they walk out (sugar-free lollipop in hand).
The space matters, too. Kids notice everything, so a colourful, welcoming place with fun posters or a few toys in the waiting room really helps them feel relaxed. And the more calm and positive they feel about each visit, the less likely they’ll be to develop a dental phobia.
Do something fun after dental visits
Plan something nice for after the dental appointment. It doesn’t have to be anything big – just something they’ll look forward to, like a trip to the park, a hot chocolate, or a bit of extra playtime.
Turn it into a little tradition, and before long, your child will start to link the dentist with something positive instead of something to worry about.
Make your child’s next dental treatment a happy one
We know how to help nervous patients – big or small – feel calm and comfortable. Our friendly dental team takes things slow, explains everything gently, and creates a fun space that puts kids (and parents) at ease.
If your child’s feeling nervous about their next appointment, we’d love to help make it a positive experience.
Children’s Dental Plans are now available! Ask for details, or CLICK HERE for more information.