Dental Visit Apprehension Tips
The following are some helpful tips that can make the first visit to the dentist be a positive experience:- Schedule visits to the dentist/hygienist at a time when your child is likely to be well rested and cooperative.
- Never mention the words "hurt" or "pain" around your child when discussing an oral health visit. Saying "it won't hurt" instills the idea that it might "hurt" into your child's thought process.
- Do not discuss you own negative feelings or experiences within you child's hearing range.
- Allow and encourage your child to discuss any fear he or she might have about oral health visits.
- Read a fun book to your child about teeth, or a visit to the dentist, such as The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist.
- Don't wait until your child is in pain or having something wrong. Begin taking your child to the dentist early--many recommend taking your child within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth to within the first year of birth. Continue with dental visits every 6 months. Taking your child before there are dental issues establishes a routine that can be easy and fun!
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