managing fear of dentistGoing to the dentist is a well-known and common fear affecting approximately nine to 15 percent of Americans. From an early age, dental checkups are an important part of maintaining good oral health, but how do you convince your terrified child of that? Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry presents a few tips for managing your child’s dental anxiety.

  • Start Early: One of the best ways to help an anxious child is to introduce proper brushing habits and oral checkups early and often. If your child understands that trips to the dentist are frequent and necessary, it won’t surprise them when the time comes.

  • Reassurance: Educate your child before their appointment by sharing information about what the dentist is going to do and the importance of the procedure. Knowing what to expect will help prepare them and reduce anxiety. Remind them that everyone goes — even Mom and Dad!

  • Lead by Example: Take your child with you to your next dental checkup and let them watch your cleaning and examination. Be an example by remaining calm and relaxed during your procedure. They will want to model this behavior when they take a turn in the dental chair.

  • Find a Pediatric Dentist: Pediatric dentists are trained to handle anxious kids. They often use smaller instruments, offer post-appointment rewards and decorate their offices with colorful walls and pictures appealing to children and teens.

  • Prepare in Advance: Read your child a book about dental visits, have them use a toy dental kit on you and do pretend exams leading up to the real deal. If your child understands what to anticipate, it may alleviate much of their anxiety.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are an important part of good dental hygiene at all ages. As your child gets older, his anxiety will subside with each dental visit. In the meantime, remaining calm and positive during your child’s exams is one of the best ways to reassure and soothe him.

Our pediatric dentists at Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry consistently receive rave reviews from grateful and relieved parents. We are a friendly and cohesive practice. As our pediatric dentist David Kornstein, DDS, has observed, “Pediatric dentistry gives me the unique opportunity to help children foster great self-esteem as they learn to navigate a potentially stressful situation with playfulness, creativity and imagination.” Even our oral surgeon is specially trained to work with your children.

If you would like to make an appointment for your child with our Wake Pediatric dental team, please contact us at (919) 719-1780 or fill out our brief online scheduling form. We will be happy to greet you and your child, “Smiling in Raleigh, Garner & Smithfield, NC.”