It’s natural to be nervous about the dentist, no matter what your age, so it’s no wonder that so many kids find going to the dentist to be a nerve-wracking experience. As a parent, you can help your child feel more comfortable at the dentist office.

By helping your child adjust to the dentist in Aitkin and Deerwood MN over time, and by finding a dentist that can make your child feel comfortable, you can turn going to the dentist into a positive experience. In this article, we’ll go over some strategies that parents use to help their child manage anxiety about the dentist.

Shop for the Right Dentist

Finding the right dentist is one of the first steps to helping your child. An experienced pediatric dentist will have a variety of strategies to help children feel comfortable. To find the right professional, call dental offices in your area and speak with the dentist you’re considering for your child. Ask questions such as:

• What do you do to help nervous children feel comfortable with the dentist?
• Will I be allowed to stay in the room with my child?
• What do you recommend I do to help my child feel comfortable visiting the dentist?
• What can we expect during our first visit to your office?

Talk About Positive Experiences At the Dentist

Reassure your child about the dentist by saying positive things about your experiences at the dentist office. Tell your child about how you love the way your teeth feel when your teeth have been cleaned.

Tell your child that you always go to the dentist twice per year because you want to keep your teeth healthy. This information will help your child understand that you think going to the dentist is a positive experience overall.

Read Books About the Dentist Together

There have been many children’s books written about visiting the dentist office. Pick out some books your child will appreciate and read these to your child. When the book is finished, Encourage your child to ask any questions they might have about the dentist, so you can answer them.

Make Regular Appointments, Don’t Avoid Them

It’s tempting to avoid making dentist appointments when your child feels so nervous about going to the dentist, but skipping appointments can create a bigger problem in the long run. Stay on top of your child’s pediatric dental exams in Aitkin and Deerwood MN. Call River Oaks Dental today to make an appointment.