How Parents Can Ease Children's Dental Anxiety

Ideally, children will get their first dental check-up when they are too young to remember it and continue to have regular appointments throughout their lives. But that doesn’t mean they won’t develop anxiety about seeing the dentist. At Kidz Connextion, our staff is trained to soothe children, but there are things parents can do to manage their kids’ expectations before the visit.

It’s helpful for parents to say that the dentist and hygienists are friends who will clean the child’s teeth and make sure they’re healthy. Parents should avoid implying the visit will be painful by telling the child to be brave or that they’ll get a reward for not being scared. We work to accommodate children, including those with special needs, by explaining to them the procedure and the tools we use in terms they can understand. However, it is not necessary to talk about procedures which the child may not actually need, such as fillings.

Often, when children are scared of the dentist, it is because they are picking up on anxiety from their parents. If one parent has more of an issue with dentists, it is better for the other to take the child in for the visit. The best thing to do is focus on the positives of getting a professional cleaning: a shiny smile and a strong bite.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at KidzConnextion.com.

 

First Dental Visit

Parents are always asking our dentists at Kidz Connextion “When should my child first see a dentist?”  The correct answer is a child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday.  Usually, the first dental visit is short and involves very little treatment, but it is important to get your child on track for a lifetime of great oral health!

On your child’s first dental visit, we want to assess the child’s oral health and observe any unique needs they may have.  We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns about your child’s tooth development, teething, or thumb sucking.  We also want your child’s first dental visit to be as smooth and comfortable as possible, and make sure a dental visit is seen as a positive thing.  Many dental problems can be prevented or more easily treated in the early stages, and we hope to establish a relationship that will help keep mouths healthy from childhood into adulthood!

If you have a child due for their first dental appointment, don’t wait any longer and give us a call.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.