5 Tips for Getting Your Reluctant Kids to the Dentist

Do you have a hard time getting your kids to the dentist? Well, you are certainly not alone.

It is actually very common for children to experience a fear of visiting the dentist.

Our Top 5 Tips to Help Your Child Through a Dental Visit

While fear of dentists can spring up for many reasons, science has found that a child’s fear is often a result of a parent’s own dental anxieties. This is why it is important for parents to take steps to neutralize these fears so the child can move past them.

Here are some tips to help make an anxious child’s dental visit a breeze.

1. Give Advanced Notice

Before the big day, be sure to give your child an advanced warning that a dental visit is coming up.

Children thrive on predictability and giving them plenty of warning will allow them the time that they need to process any anxiety or ask you any questions they may have.

2. Be Honest and Straightforward

If your child has questions, try to answer them honestly. At the same time, also try not to overwhelm an anxious child with too much information, as this will only heighten their distress.

Whatever you do, never lie to a child to try to soften the blow, this will only make them more distrustful of experiences in the future, and they might not take you at your word in the future.

3. Bring Along a Favourite Toy or Comfort Object

Having a familiar toy can do a lot to comfort a child and help lessen anxiety and stress.

In addition, by associating the experience with a beloved object, the child is likely to be less fearful and hold more positive associations of the experience.

4. Stay Calm and Relaxed

It can be difficult to remain composed when your child is upset or in distress, but if they throw a tantrum at the dentist office, it is important to try to remain as relaxed and collected as possible.

If you become agitated, the child is likely to sense your anxiety and they will believe that their own fear is justified. Remaining calm will demonstrate to a nervous child that there is nothing to fear.

5. Trust Your Dentist

Remember that your dentist is a qualified professional who is here to help. They deal with children on a daily basis and are well informed as to how do to handle a fearful child.

And, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist for their advice.

We Are Highly Experienced in Pediatric Dentistry and We’re Happy To Help Teach Little Ones About Proper Dental Care

Here at Pickering Square Dental, we understand how hard it can be to get your little ones into the dentist office. That’s why we are here to help. We have a full staff of qualified professionals who are here to guide you through every step of the process.

To learn more, come and check us out in person, contact us online, or give us a call at 905.420.1777

 

Taking the Fear Out of a Dental Visit – 5 Tips for An Easy Appointment

Did you know that an estimated 40% of Canadians have a fear of visiting the dentist?

Despite many impressive technological advances that make most types of dental work a breeze compared to what they once were, dental anxiety is still a very common occurrence. This is primarily because fear is a psychological phenomenon, but one that still feels very real, nonetheless.

In addition, there are numerous variations of fear that people can experience when it comes to a visit to the dentist. Some people may have a fear of needles, some may dislike drills and other dental tools, and some might be self-conscious about their oral health and hygiene.

Our Top 5 Tips to Make Your Dental Visit Easier

The good news is that it is totally possible to overcome your dental anxiety and walk into your dentist office with confidence.

Here’s how:

1. Be Honest and Straightforward About Your Fears

If you are afraid of needles, drills, or anything else, be sure to let your dental professional know so that they can numb the area and make the experience less stressful for you.

Also, if you would like an anti-anxiety pill, be sure to ask if this is possible in advance of your appointment.

2. Bring Along a Friend

If you’re nervous about visiting your dentist, ask a friend or relative to join you. You will be surprised at how much just having somebody to talk to and support you will lessen the stress of the experience.

3. Talk to Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist Before Your Appointment

When you let your dental professional know about any fears or anxieties before your appointment, they can inform you about what to expect during the experience.

Many patients later report that their fear was much worse than the actual visit. By managing expectations in a realistic way, you will prevent your mind from running away with you and creating any unnecessary stress.

4. Arrive Early the Day of Your Appointment

When you are distressed, feeling rushed will only serve to compound that feeling.

Arriving early for your appointment and giving yourself some time to sit down with a magazine, book, or even your headphones as you wait will help stop the flow of adrenaline, automatically sooth your system, and help you feel relaxed and prepared.

5. Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene

By educating yourself on good oral hygiene and making it a priority to follow through, you are much more likely to have a pleasant and positive dental experience, and you’ll realize that your fears are unfounded.

We Are Committed to Your Oral and Emotional Health

At Pickering Square Dental, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a truly nerve-wracking experience. That is where we go out of our way to provide exceptional service, quality, and professionalism so that you will have renewed faith in dental professionals.

We believe that education is the key to a better dental experience for everyone. To learn more, contact us online or give us a call at 905.420.1777 today!

Helping your Children Overcome Any Fear of the Dentist

Whether it’s the sometimes negative portrayal of dentistry in pop culture, or the apprehension that comes with a medical examination of any type, or an understandable nervousness at the unusual sensations unique to a trip to the dentist, dental anxiety is not completely an uncommon issue in children.  It’s very important for fear of the dentist to be minimized at an early age, as ongoing anxiety can lead to an avoidance of the dentist, and an endangerment of long-term dental health.   Here are some tips to help your child overcome their anxieties of the dentist and to set the stage while they’re young!

Keep them Informed

Let your child know the feelings and sounds that are common to the dental experience and let that knowledge empower them.  Letting them know how the cleaning paste tastes can avoid any fears resulting from the unknowns and the first’s of a checkup or cleaning.

Help them Relax

If your child looks visibly nervous or anxious in the waiting room, teach them some simple breathing exercises to help them relax.   A simple deep inhalation and slow exhalation can soothe a child on the verge of being overcome with emotion.

Engage in Positive Reinforcement

Some families let their children know that after their first dental visit that they’ll be rewarded for ‘being well behaved’ with something such as a token item at the dollar store or the promise of some (sugar free) treats can help them endure any anxieties they may be feeling and the experience of this appointment.

Talk to your Dentist

Give your dentist or hygienist a heads up about your child’s feelings.  They might be able to help by engaging in some interesting conversation, helping them remember a pleasant experience, or giving them a distracting task like mental arithmetic that could help push away the anxiety.

Get Involved

If your child seems like they’re going to a have a particularly challenging time in the dentist’s chair, talk to the staff in advance of your child’s visit.   We highly encourage and recommend having your children attend your regular dental hygiene visits… This way, your child will be able to firsthand experience our Dental Team at work as well as the comfortable and friendly environment here at Pickering Square Dental.  This will result in providing your child the opportunity to model your behaviour and be comforted with a seamless, pleasant and comfortable experience when it comes time for their first visits!  

Using these tips will definitely help alleviate any potential dental anxiety.  The best way to ensure your child is in good hands is to work with a full-service family dentistry like Pickering Square Dental.  That way, you’ll know that the staff is experienced in helping children overcome any potential fear of the dentist.  If you or your child requires any dental assistance, contact our team, and we’ll get everyone in the family in good dental health.