How to help kids feel comfortable at the dentist

If you help your child to feel confident about going to the dentist early on, you’ll set up a positive habit to last a lifetime.

We show you how to help your kid feel comfortable at the dentist with our handy tips in our latest post.

When should your child start going to the dentist and how often?

The Australian Dental Association says you should take your child to the dentist for the first time when they get their first tooth or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). Dental exams for children should take place every six months or sooner if your dentist advises.

Dental anxiety in children

One hurdle that some children may need to overcome is dental anxiety. This is a fear of the dentist that stops them from attending appointments or turns them into an ordeal.

Children may experience dental anxiety for a variety of reasons. These include:

• Fear of the equipment, its noises or sensations

• Seeing their parent or carer fearful of the dentist

• A previous uncomfortable experience

• Dentists who do not communicate what they are doing

• A feeling of being out of control

Tips to help your child with their dental anxiety

Rest assured, you can help your child overcome their anxiety using some gentle tips and techniques:

• Choose a practice that specialises in children’s dentistry. This is probably the single most effective step you can take to ensure a positive experience. If they are amenable, bring your child for a tour before their appointment so they know what to expect on the day. This will help to give them a sense of control

• Practise dentist role play at home. Your child can pretend to be a dentist and check out their toys’ teeth. You can even practise looking into their mouth and talking about their teeth to prepare them for the real thing

• Practise good oral hygiene at home — and make it fun and educational. Make your child’s toothbrushing routine an enjoyable part of their day by brushing your teeth together, using a timer to know how long to brush for and introducing a reward chart for every time they brush their teeth well. You can also explain how plaque affects teeth and causes decay so they understand the importance of brushing

• Ensure they are not hungry or thirsty before they visit the dentist. As parents, we all know that there’s nothing worse than a 'hangry' child! Give them a healthy snack and drink before you set off for your appointment — and get them to brush their teeth afterwards, of course!

• Make sure they feel safe on the day of their appointment. You can do this by assuring them that you will stay in the room with them. Nervous children will also feel more in control if you agree on a signal, such as raising their hand, which they can use to indicate that they need a break from their dental exam

• Rewarding your child after their visit is an effective way to frame it positively. Even if they were not on their best behaviour, focusing on what they achieved by keeping their appointment will help them think more positively about their next visit

Putting smiles on our patients’ faces

At Smiles of Lalor, we’re all about making our patients feel relaxed when they come to see us — and that includes our youngest!

In fact, there is nothing we like better than to see little ones at the start of their dental health journey. Our professionals know that as a parent, you may be anxious too, and they do everything they can to reassure you and your child that dental check-ups are simply part of life!

If you’re looking for a caring dentist in and around Lalor, including Thomastown, Epping and Mill Park, get in touch. We’re your local family-friendly dental practice, and we love putting smiles on our patients’ faces — young and old!