If Your Child is Afraid of the Dentist
When you think about it, being scared of the dentist is a perfectly natural reaction. It can be a pretty strange place full of unfamiliar sights, sounds and people.
Children are always more comfortable when they know their surroundings and precisely what goes on in them. And if the dentist is new and unfamiliar then it's not surprising they might be a little scared. Taking time to discuss things with your children will go a long way to helping you understand where the fear is coming from. Then you can offer the support, love and reassurance that will help them overcome their fear.
A simple role-playing game is excellent for helping with anxiety. Play some of these games as a rehearsal for the trip. You'll have some fun and share an experience together - and the anxiety may just melt away. Why not print off a certificate before you go to the dentist and as soon as the appointment is over get the dentist to present it to your good little patient?
If you'd like to keep your children from getting anxious about the dentist there's a few things you can do:
Make sure you don't show your anxiety if you're scared of going to the dentist yourself. They'll pick up on it and copy your behavior.
Take them to the dentist regularly - once every 6 months. Children who only go to the dentist when there's a problem will quickly start to associate being there with getting bad news about their teeth. Plus, frequent check-ups are the best way to catch problems before they become painful or need further treatment.
If there is a genuine fear, talk to your children. Once you know where the fears lie, they can be easier to deal with.
You already know that a tired child can be a difficult child. See if you can schedule an appointment for the morning.
If there's a real problem, consider visiting a pediatric dentist (pedodontist). These specialists have had extra training to work with children.