5 Tips to Help Kids Overcome the Fear of Dentists

Going to the dentist is one of those events that we want to avoid as it is rarely pleasurable. When it comes to children, they tend to experience both discomfort and a high level of stress when in the dentist’s chair, so the parents would do whatever it takes to make things easier for them.

Some of them are terrified from the unfamiliar and overwhelming sounds and smells that we usually remember for life, while others react to the pokey, cold and metallic tools that the dentists use. Whatever the case is, there are effective methods that both parents and dentists can apply to relax the child and prepare it adequately for what comes next. Whether you’ll use a dental puppet, rewarding tactic, or a combination of various techniques, you’ll do your children a great favor by including regular visits to a dentist in their lives. 

Developing the Right Dental Hygiene Routine

Teaching your child the basics of dental hygiene is surely the first thing to do. As soon as they understand the importance of it, they will adopt other practices that could benefit them and keep their smiles beautiful, just like a dentist’s appointment is. 

Select Your Dentist Wisely

If you are lucky to have a reliable dental professional that you visit regularly, that’s just great, but keep in mind that this person might not be the best choice for your little one too.

The first thing to consider when selecting an adequate dentist is that they are specialized in pediatric dentistry. Besides being trained to focus on the specific issues related to children’s oral health exclusively, pediatric dentists are well-familiar with the emotional spectrum that comes with their visit. Therefore, they have the right set of skills to make the child feel more comfortable and have an utterly positive experience. 

We at StarSmilez are doing whatever we can to improve children’s oral health, so wanted to gather the enthusiastic and prolific professionals in their fields who wish to do the same. Besides the dental puppets that have already proven their efficiency multiple times, we have a growing community of pediatric dentists with whom you can get in touch even today and schedule an appointment for your little one.

The Preparations for the Appointment Start at Home

Talking about the whole experience positively will surely help your child feel safer and calmer. This is where the dental puppets play an essential role as you can always take their shiny, white teeth and a perfect smile as a good example. 

You can start by explaining what’s necessary to keep the teeth in great condition and who is the one responsible for that. Well, it’s the dentist, so remember to mention that this is a person who will check their smile and make sure to keep it as wonderful as possible for many years. 

Having Fun Is Always a Good Idea

Have you tried ‘play pretend’? You can be a dentist for a while and guide them through the whole procedure the best way you can. If you have a white coat similar to the dentist’s, that’s a huge plus as it is noted that the kids might have a strong reaction to it, too!

You can start by examining the dental puppet’s teeth and some other family members as well, and then switch to your child’s once they feel comfortable with it. Children are afraid of the unknown, so giving them a glimpse of how the visit will look could certainly have a positive influence. 

Being There to Support Your Child

Leaving your child alone with the dentist might work for some kids, but it usually doesn’t. They are usually quite scared by the environment and leaving them to deal with all of it by themselves can develop a certain trauma. If this happens, it would be difficult to make the child visit the dentist again. 

Therefore, make sure to stay in the room if your child seeks your presence or their favorite dental puppet as it could boost their confidence and keep them relaxed. Of course, you should trust the experts when they ask you to stay at a distance as the child needs to remain still during the complex treatments. 

Have You Tried Out Our Amazing Dental Puppets Yet?

Kids love toys, there’s no way around it. Many of them are just fun, but some are made to help your child overcome their fears and help them create some healthy routines. 

Our dental puppets fit into the second category and there are numerous satisfied parents, health educators, and dentists who can confirm our claims. Whether your little one loves large or small plush toys, mythical beings like dragons, or cute little dogs, we have a selection of the highest-quality dental puppets that are made with a single purpose – to keep their smiles beautiful and healthy for a long, long time.