Whether your child needs a tooth extraction, routine checkup, or other dental care services, it’s important to make the experience as positive as possible. Emphasizing oral care from an early age helps your little one keep up with good dental habits throughout their life. If you suspect that your child will be anxious when they see the dentist, use the following tips. 

Tips for Reducing Your Child’s Dental Fears

1. Read Books About Going to the Dentist

Read books about dental care for children, such as “What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist” and “Off We Go to the Dentist.” These books feature fun characters and explain dental procedures in ways children can easily understand. Discuss what’s on each page and answer any questions your child has using non-threatening language, such as “sugar bugs” instead of “tooth decay.”

2. Utilize Dental-Themed Activities

Foster dental care enthusiasm with related activities, such as coloring pages and activity sheets from the American Dental Association®. Also, watch videos about dental care together and practice counting each other’s teeth to help your child get used to opening their mouth wide. Also, tell them about the toys many dentists give after appointments. Once your child’s tooth extraction or exam is over, they will get to pick one.

3. Don’t Share Horror Stories

Avoid attempting to relate to your child’s anxieties by talking about the dental visit “nightmares” you experienced when you were young. Instead, talk about positive experiences, such as getting a cavity filled to reduce tooth sensitivity or pain.

4. Keep Up With Your Child’s Appointment Schedule

Get your child used to the dentist by maintaining a regular appointment schedule. Most children and adults benefit from seeing the dentist every six months to check for tooth decay; gum issues, such as recession and gingivitis; and tooth crowding. The more your child goes to the dentist, the more they’ll get used to the appointments and learn that oral care can be fun.

When it’s time for your child’s next dentist appointment, contact Brian Perelmuter, DMD, P.C..in Naugatuck, CT. This family dentist provides New Haven County residents with pediatric, general, and cosmetic dentistry services, including tooth extractions, crowns, and root canals. Call (203) 729-3323 today to schedule an appointment for a cleaning or tooth extraction.