Is Your Child Afraid of the Dentist? 3 Ways to Help Them Relax

If your child is scared of visiting the dentist, they’re not alone. A study from a couple of years ago evaluated how common this issue was across the globe. It concluded that roughly a third of children worldwide have dental fear and anxiety (or DFA, as the study abbreviated it). 

We want to step in to combat this common problem. Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team offer family dentistry at Riverside Dental because we care about helping people of all ages. When kids visit our office in Yonkers or Thornwood, New York, we strive to help them feel as comfortable as possible. Doing some things at home before their appointment can further ease any anxious feelings. 

Here are a few tips our team recommends if you’ve got a child with a fear of going to the dentist. 

Use books and shows to familiarize them

Just like any adult, the unknown is a primary driver of fear in kids. Not knowing what to expect at the dentist can heighten their anxious feelings. Fortunately, plenty of media can help them get a better idea of what will happen during their trip to our office. 

Elmo takes a trip to the dentist on an episode of Sesame Street that’s available on YouTube. There are also lots of books that focus on visiting the dentist and the importance of oral health. Introducing reading or watching focused on dental appointments can help eliminate some of the fear of the unknown for your child. 

Act it out at home

Similarly, acting out their trip to the dentist at home can ease their nerves. If you have a chair that reclines, use it to set up a makeshift dentist’s office. You might even brush or floss your child’s teeth while they lie back to help them get a better idea of what we do. 

Acting out the whole process can help them feel more comfortable when the time comes for their real dental appointment. 

Partner with us

If your child is scared of the dentist, your temptation is probably to minimize their time there. However, a recent study indicated that visiting the dentist early and often helps minimize dental anxiety in kids. 

Dr. Master-Patel and our team want to come alongside you to help make your child’s regular visits a comfortable experience for your whole family. To start, it’s helpful if we’re aware they’re feeling nervous. 

When you schedule the appointment, let our team know. This way, we can treat them with extra care, explaining what we’ll do and taking breaks along the way. We’re also happy to let your child hold a comforting item during their visit. Snuggling with a stuffed animal or blanket they love might help them feel more at ease while in our chair. 

Don’t let dental anxiety get in the way of your child’s oral health. To set them up for healthy habits for life, work with our team to overcome their nervousness. To schedule an appointment at which we can all work together to help them, call the Riverside Dental office nearest you or book your family’s visit online today.