don’t fear
the dentist
how to teach your child to not be afraid
Most kids are afraid to go to the dentist,
but there are some things you can do
to make it much easier. Here are some
tips on getting your kids to go.
get started taking them
early
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is that
they don’t take their kids to their dentists until
they’ve got a problem. This means that it’s going
to be a painful visit, and what happens is that the
child begins to associate dentists with pain at an
early age. This is a possible cause for anxiety in
adults over going to a dental clinic. If you take
them to a pediatric dentist as early as two years
old, they’ll see a friendly person who gives them
a toy when it’s done! The psychological effect is
very powerful.
Establish Healthy Brushing HabitsAnother thing
that will help is making sure that your kids take
care of their teeth. This will mean that there will
be fewer trips to the dentist for procedures that
are painful. If most of their childhood memories
are of getting their teeth cleaned, this will make
them much happier about going to their regular
check-ups in the future. Get them brushing and
flossing properly and always make sure that they
understand the importance of keeping their teeth
healthy themselves.
role play a visit
If your kids start showing signs of anxiety (and
most kids do!), try role playing the visit before you
go. Get a couple of their favorite toys and have
them get their teeth cleaned. In just the same
way as we can role play going to the bathroom
for potty training, we can role play dental visits.
Everybody has a wonderful time and they feel
great after the cleaning is over! Show them that
it’s no big deal and explain that if it hurts, it’s only
because they’re trying to get their teeth cleaned.
Let them know that it’s natural and there’s
nothing to be afraid of.
don’t use the dentist as
punishment
Here is another common mistake - Parents tell
their kids that if they don’t brush their teeth every
night before bed, they’ll take them to that evil
tooth doctor who’ll give them a big shot! It may
work to scare your kids into brushing, but they’re
going to be trembling the next time you take them
for a teeth cleaning. This is a great way to turn
them into mental cases and make sure their teeth
rot at an early age because they’re terrified of the
wicked man with the giant needle.
show them that you’re not
afraid
Finally, kids with parents who are visibly afraid
of the dentist usually develop this fear too. Even
if you’re shaking inside, show them that you’re
happy to go and get your teeth cleaned. If you set
an example of bravery, this will show your little
one that there’s nothing to worry about.
Article by Andrew Stratton
WomanToWomanMagazine.com 33
/WomanToWomanMagazine.com
