Being scared of the dentist is common among kids. The office is a new environment filled with strangers and unfamiliar instruments that will be used inside their mouths. It's not even surprising that many grownups feel dental anxiety. Since it's so important to keep your child's teeth healthy and promote good oral hygiene habits that they'll carry with them into adulthood, here's a closer look at how to help them get over their fear.

How to Help Kids Become More Comfortable With the Dentist

1. Use Visual Aids

Children's books are a great, effective way to introduce new ideas, topics, and situations. Check your local library or bookstore for colorful, fun books about dentistry. 

Cute characters, eye-catching illustrations, and an easy-to-follow story can explain what a dentist does and how they help people. Seeing relatable characters going through dental checkups and procedures will help kids feel more at ease.

2. Practice at Home

Most kids enjoy using their imagination, so use this to have an imaginary dental visit from the comfort of your home. Much of what makes a checkup frightening to young kids is that it's performed by strangers, but unfamiliarity plays a major role, too. A practice session at home will show them what they can expect from the visit.

This can involve you inspecting your child's teeth or letting them inspect yours. You can also use stuffed animals or dolls to normalize the experience through play-acting. 

3. Start When They're Young

A great deal of dental anxiety comes from being overwhelmed by the surroundings, people, and procedures. Most dentists recommend scheduling the first visit as soon as they get their first baby tooth. This helps get a head start on dental care during the teething phase and helps them get used to the environment. 

If it's been a while since the last visit, bring them by the practice to meet the staff a week or two before the appointment. Even if they don't receive the usual cleaning and exam that day, they can get a feel for the office and the people who work there. 

4. Avoid Negative Language

As many parents know, words matter. When it comes to dental care, it's helpful not to use negative language. Words like "hurt" and "pain" are likely to add to your child's anxiety about oral hygiene. Instead, use positive terms like "healthy" and "clean" to encourage a positive association. 

If your child is scared of the dentist, turn to the compassionate staff at High Point Smile Dentistry. The family dental practice provides quality dental care to patients of all ages in High Point, NC, as well as Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the greater Triad area. They offer state-of-the-art equipment and dental procedures, from regular teeth cleaning to crowns and root canal therapy. The trained technicians are committed to helping smiles grow and stay healthy within a kid-friendly environment. Call (336) 884-4000 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.