How to ease your child’s dental anxiety

How to ease your child’s dental anxiety

We understand that some children feel anxious about visiting the dentist.

If your little one is reluctant to see us, try our top tips for easing their nervousness …

  1. Start dental visits early
    One of the best things you can do for your child’s oral health is to bring them in to see us from an early age. Not only will this give them a better chance of maintaining a healthy set of teeth, but they will also learn healthy habits and become familiar with our practice from a young age. If your child gets used to regular dental visits, it is less likely that they will fear their appointments. Rather, dental check-ups will simply become a regular, stress-free event.

    We recommend that you bring your child in to see us as soon as they start developing their first set of teeth. This could be anytime between four months and a year, and at least before the age of two years old. Thereafter, we suggest that you bring your little one in every six months so that we can do thorough check-ups and monitor their teeth and gums as they get older.

  2. Make it a family trip
    If your child is nervous about dental visits, it can be very helpful to make appointments for the whole family to see the dentist on the same day. If this isn’t possible, having a parent or sibling around can go a long way in providing comfort for an anxious child. Having an older sibling around is often a good way of setting an example for younger children, and a way for your little one to see that there is nothing to worry about.

We provide dental services for the whole family, so please feel free to schedule your six-monthly check-ups for you and your children around the same time. We want all of our patients’ dental experiences to feel happy and comfortable.

  1. Explain the importance of oral health
    When your child is old enough, you can begin to talk to your child about their oral health. If they are anxious, discuss their feelings with them and try to determine the cause of their fear. Once you understand why your child feels nervous, you can try to deal with any underlying issues.

    If your child is very nervous about their dental appointment, please feel free to let us know. We will do our best to put their mind at ease and to make their experience as comfortable as possible. We will also explain to your child exactly what we are doing and talk to them about the importance of regular check-ups for the sake of their long-term health.

We are a family-friendly dental practice and are committed to providing gentle and high-quality care. Our team of experienced dental professionals is known for their expertise, compassion and understanding. We will do our best to ease your child’s anxiety and create a comfortable experience.

To make an appointment, please get in touch with us here.