How to soothe anxious kids: 7 tips for a calm dental visit
At Norwest Paediatric Dentistry, we believe that every trip to our clinic should be a fun adventure that your little one looks forward to. Our mission is to spark healthy oral hygiene habits from the get-go, ensuring bright smiles and healthy teeth that last a lifetime.
We get it, though – sometimes visiting the dentist can seem a bit daunting, especially when kids don’t know what to expect. But don’t worry! We’ve got 7 helpful tips to help keep those jitters at bay and make each visit a breeze.
1. Start dental visits at an early age
Kick off dental visits at 12 months of age to build a positive relationship with the dentist from the start. During their first visit, the dentist will count their teeth, check their gums, and share tooth brushing tips.
It’s a no-pressure introduction that makes future visits feel like a breeze.
2. Talk about the dental visit beforehand
Nobody likes walking into the unknown – including our kids.
Before your visit, make time to sit and chat to your child about what they can expect during their appointment. A simple conversation is a great way to ease their nerves!
Knowing what the clinic and their dentist look like can also help your child mentally prepare. If you’re visiting Norwest, you might like to show them our clinic photos, and the friendly faces of our team.
And if you want to enlist a little help with your chat, you might like to watch a video together that features their favourite character visiting the dentist. A popular choice at Norwest is “Peppa Pig: The Dentist.”
3. Do something special together afterwards
Plan a special activity after their dental visit, such as a trip to their favourite park or a lunch together.
This positive reinforcement helps them look forward to their next dental check-up.
4. Take them to your next dental visit
Let them tag along to your next routine dental check-up to see you cool and collected in the chair. Watching you breeze through your check-up can make their own visits seem a lot less scary.
Just be sure to only bring them along to a regular check-up – more complex treatments might give them the wrong impression of what to expect!
Taking your child along to your own dental visit can help their own visits seem less scary.
Books are a great way to prep your child for their dental visit.
A little positive reinforcement goes a long way in making dental visits something to smile about.
5. Bring along a comfort from home
Let your child bring their favourite stuffed animal or blanket along for the trip.
Having a piece of home with them can provide a sense of security and help them stay calm during their appointment.
6. Get your child’s favourite book characters involved
Books are a great way to prep your child for their dental visit. Familiar stories can make the experience feel less unknown and more like an exciting adventure.
Some of our faves include:
● Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip
● How Many Teeth? by Paul Showers
● Usborne First Experiences: Going to the Dentist
● Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
7. Pump up the positive reinforcement
Give plenty of praise and rewards for their bravery and cooperation. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way in making dental visits something to smile about.
By following these tips, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards dental visits, ensuring they maintain healthy oral hygiene habits for life.
Norwest are the specialists at helping anxious kids
Our team has extensive experience with anxious kids and know that they’re often on high alert and sensitive to change. Our clinic is always calm and comfortable, and we understand some children need extra support.
We utilise special techniques to help settle children who are feeling overly anxious. So you can feel confident bringing your child with a dental-phobia or anxiety to our clinic – and know they’re in the best possible hands.
If you or your child have any questions about their visit, the team at Norwest Paediatric Dentistry are always happy to offer help and support. Contact us on (02) 8814 7945 or email us at reception@nwpd.com.au.