If your child feels afraid to visit the dentist, they aren’t alone. Many kids feel this fear, and there are several things you can do to help. Choosing the right dentist in Beaver Dam is part of the solution, you can do several things at home to help lessen the worry so your child’s appointment can be a positive experience.

Use Social Stories and Role Playing

Children often fear what they don’t understand, and a child may not know what to expect at the dentist. Scour your library for picture books and social stories that show what the experience is like. You can also find episodes of many popular children’s shows that explore going to the dentist. Consider practicing at home by having your child sit in a recliner and open their mouth with a light shining down on them. You can also let your child play dentist with a stuffed animal.

Visit Ahead of Time

Is someone else going to the dentist in your family? Let your fearful child come along and watch or at least see the office ahead of time. Familiarity can help make the process less frightening.

Schedule Wisely

Schedule the appointment with the dentist at a time that’s good for your child. For most kids, that’s early to late morning, after breakfast but before afternoon nap time. You know your child best, but be proactive about the scheduling.

Stay Positive

Reward the behaviors you want. If your child can go to the dentist, sit in the chair, and have their teeth counted but not actually make it through the cleaning, then praise that. Take baby steps with positive reinforcement until they are able to sit through the entire exam.

Good oral healthcare starts young. Don’t let fear keep your child from having clean teeth. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to start the path toward healthy teeth.