Eight Tips for Parents to Calm Their Child Before Going to the Dentist

By Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist at Health Partnership Clinic

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month – the perfect time to emphasize the importance of dental care for kids. However, for many parents, ensuring their children maintain good oral hygiene is a challenge. Especially if the child suffers from dental anxiety. Dental fear is common in young children and results in a reluctance to brush their teeth or attend regular dental check-ups. If your child is one of the many who are anxious about visiting the dentist, there are several things you can do to make the experience more manageable and even enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips for parents of anxious pediatric patients to ensure that their child develops healthy dental habits while overcoming their fear.

1. Start Early

The earlier your child is introduced to dental care, the better! Begin brushing their teeth as soon as they have their first tooth, even if it’s just a gentle wipe with a soft cloth. Introducing dental hygiene as a regular part of their daily routine can help make it a normal and non-threatening activity. Avoid waiting until there’s a dental problem or a fear to address it. By creating a positive association with dental care from the beginning, you can help set the stage for a more comfortable experience when it’s time for their first dental visit.

2. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key. Praise your child for their effort in brushing, flossing, and caring for their teeth. Use reward systems, such as stickers or small rewards, when they follow through with their dental habits to make this a fun routine. This helps children feel accomplished and motivated to take care of their oral health, which helps reduce their anxiety over time.

3. Play Pretend Dentist at Home

Children often develop fear of the dentist because they don’t understand what will happen during the visit. To reduce their fear, play pretend dentist at home. You can use a toothbrush, a doll or stuffed animal, and a disposable dental mirror to demonstrate what will happen during the actual appointment. Let your child be the “dentist” and practice brushing the teeth of a toy or let them pretend to be the patient in the dental chair.

4. Reading Books

Reading books about going to the dentist can also be a great way to help them understand the process. There are several children’s books available that are designed to reduce dental anxiety and make the experience more relatable and fun.

5. Be Honest, but Keep It Positive

It’s important to be honest with your child about what will happen during their dental visit but try to frame it in a way that is positive and reassuring. Avoid using negative or fear-inducing language like “hurt” or “pain.” Instead, focus on the positive aspects of dental care, such as keeping their teeth clean and healthy to avoid cavities or helping them maintain a bright, shiny smile.

You can also emphasize that dentists are friendly professionals who help keep their teeth strong and healthy. Let them know that many kids go to the dentist without feeling scared, and it’s a normal, good experience that everyone should have.

6. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

During the dental visit itself, it’s important for parents to remain calm and supportive. Your own anxiety may transfer to your child, so try to stay positive and offer comforting words. Reassure them that you’ll be right there with them and that everything will be okay. You can also bring a comfort item, such as their favorite toy, blanket, or even a stuffed animal, to the appointment to help them feel more secure.

7. Reward Their Bravery

After the dental visit, whether it was a success or just a step in the right direction, celebrate your child’s bravery. Praise them for being a “dental hero” and offer a reward, such as a sticker or a small treat. This positive reinforcement helps to create a more positive association with dental visits and encourages them to keep up with their oral care.

8. Gradually Increase Exposure

If your child is very anxious, you may need to take a gradual approach to ease them into dental visits. Start by simply visiting the dentist’s office for a short tour or even sitting in the waiting area. This helps your child get used to the environment without the pressure of a full appointment. Over time, you can build up to a check-up or cleaning, and eventually, they may feel more comfortable with the entire process.

Final Thoughts

As Oral Health Month reminds us, taking care of our children’s teeth is crucial for their overall well-being. For children who experience dental anxiety, being patient, empathetic, and proactive is key. By starting early, providing a calm, and supportive environment, you help your child overcome their fear of the dentist and ensure they develop healthy oral care habits for life. With these tips, you’ll not only ease their anxiety but also set them on a path to lifelong good oral health.

Health Partnership offers dental services at our Olathe clinic from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To schedule an appointment or get more details, please call 913-648-2266 or visit hpcks.org/our-services/dental.