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

 

How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

It can be a challenge to adequately prepare your child for their first dental visit. When they have to constantly listen to their friends who try to scare them into thinking that a dental office is a frightening place, it can be tough to make them think otherwise.  However, it can be done- just ask some of the happy children that enjoy their visits to Pickering Square Dental!  In order to prepare your child for their first dental visit, it’s important that they know why they’re visiting the dentist- to keep their teeth nice and clean, and prevent any painful cavities from developing.  At this time, we’re going to look at some of the ways that you can prepare your child for their first dental visit.

 

How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

 

In order to prepare your child for their first dental visit, start off by showing them the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth, and show them how you do it.

 

Tell them that a dentist is there to help them and be their friend. When they know that a dentist is there to help them, not hurt them, it can make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Show them that you also enjoy visiting the dentist, and try to talk about how much fun and nice your dentist is.

 

At Pickering Square Dental, they go above and beyond the “call of duty” to make a young patient’s experience an enjoyable one. With comfortable chairs, a relaxed environment, and efficient distractions such as TV and a children’s play area available, it can make your child’s first dental visit be a resounding success! It also helps that Dr. Marvin Lean has been the official dentist for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 2005! If they know that some of their heroes are also visiting the same dentist, it may help alleviate some of their anxiety.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pickering Square Dental– praised by patients for over 25 years! This reputable family dentistry location provides all visitors, from children to seniors, with a comfortable, soothing environment. Whether you want to watch TV or listen to music, these dental experts will help you relax while they take proper care of your teeth. On top of the multitude of services that are available to patients, Pickering Square Dental also offers laser dentistry! To learn more about this lauded dental clinic, check out pickeringsquaredental.com.