Raising Kids Who Fear the Dentist

All too many children grow up with a terrible fear of the dentist. Raising kids who are well adjusted is essential for their overall health and well-being. This includes being able to handle simple dental visits and procedures. There is help for parents who are raising kids with fears and need parenting advice to help them overcome their fears of the dentist. Patience, time and communication are essential to helping your child accept going to the dentist.

Start Your Child Off Early

A lot of parents are never advised by their children’ pediatricians that a baby’s first dental visit should occur once a tooth erupts through the gums. If you didn’t start your child off early, you could be raising kids that will harbor fears of the dentist. You will see that there is help for parents who need to teach their older children that the dentist is a good guy.

Before You Make the Appointment

It’s best to have a quality conversation with your children before you call the dentist’s office. Parenting articles suggest that you explain to your child that going to the dentist is just as important as going to see their pediatrician. Raising kids who are health conscious is a very important thing to do.

You must use your good parenting skills to let your child know that the dentist is his friend. Talking to your child about what the dentist will do is important while raising kids. The knowledge that you provide your child with will help them to overcome their fears of the dentist.

Finding the Right Dentist

There are dentists who specialize in pediatric dentistry. They are usually very kind and gentle people that genuinely care about children and their dental health. You will need to do a little research to find the right dentist for your kids in your area.

Previews Are Important

It may sound silly to some parents but letting the child see the dentist’s office is beneficial, especially if you are raising kids that are afraid of the dentist. Most dental offices are more than happy to provide help for parents that want their kids to be comfortable in the dentist’s office. Simply call the dental office and request help for parents.

Most dental offices will set up a time for your child to explore the dentist’s office. He will be able to meet the staff and learn all about what will occur when he has his appointment. This is a simple way for parents raising children to become more familiar with the dental office and its staff.

Going to the Dental Office

It’s best for parents to keep their children as relaxed as possible before their dental visits. You must allow your child to burn off their energy before the appointment at the dentist’s office. A fidgety child can make a dental visit problematic.

Take your child to the park or other place where they can be active and run around. You should play too as parenting children means that you can get down and dirty every once in a while too. Your child should be tuckered out before the actual dental appointment.

The Bribe

When a parent is dealing with a fearful child, rewards are allowed. You should let your child know that if he allows the dentist to do his job without problems, he will get something special. You can take your child to the ice cream shop, or allow extra television time or an outing to the movies will work wonders in helping kids overcome their fears of the dentist.