7 Tips to Make Your Child's Dental Visit Positive

You’re never too young to prioritize positive oral health. In addition to regular brushing and flossing at home, this should include visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and checkups and treating problems from gum issues to a dislodged tooth. 

Board-certified Pediatric Dentists Brent Herrin, DMD, and Allison Petty, DMD, of Herrin Pediatric Dentistry in Marietta, Georgia, are passionate about helping kids develop healthy smiles. But, despite their enthusiasm and gentle touch, they understand that sometimes young patients are anxious about visiting the dentist. 

In this month’s blog, they offer seven pro tips to help make your child’s dental visit positive.

Start regular visits at an early age

As adults, we know it takes time to build habits. You can help your child accept regular dental checkups as part of their everyday routine by starting the habit early — ideally before their first birthday — and ensuring they stick to the twice-yearly regimen. 

Making regular dental visits a habit in childhood means your child can enjoy a healthier smile and avoid developmental pitfalls that can result in serious oral health issues as they grow. It also sets the stage for better oral health during their adult years.

Don’t “telegraph” your anxiety

Dental anxiety isn’t just for kids. Plenty of adults worry about seeing the dentist, too. Research shows that up to 16 percent of American adults fear the dentist — and for patients with a history of dental problems, that number can be as high as 83 percent! 

If you deal with dental anxiety, it’s important not to show signs in front of your children. Don’t talk about past dental visits, painful drilling, needles, shots, or anything else that might make your child nervous. Instead, keep your comments positive and focus on how regular dental visits help maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.

Keep it casual

Ideally, you want your child to continue their good oral health habits — including regular dental checkups — throughout their lives, so treat visits as regular events. 

Mention the visit casually beforehand — don’t spring it on your child at the last minute. But don’t make a big deal out of it, either. It’s OK to plan an outing afterward — maybe a visit to a local park to unwind if your child is especially anxious. Just keep the visit as routine as possible so your child views it as part of their regular activities.

Aim for morning visits

Morning hours are when your child is most rested, and that means they’re more likely to be cooperative and less likely to be cranky and anxious. Plus, if your child is nervous about seeing the dentist, having a visit in the morning means your child can enjoy the rest of the day without anxiety.

Let them see you visiting the dentist regularly

Just as your child can sense your own dental anxiety, they’ll also notice when your actions don’t match your words. Set a good example for your children by visiting your own dentist twice a year for checkups. 

Demonstrate other good oral health habits, like regular brushing, flossing, and choosing healthy snacks. And let them know—without scary language—how dental visits play an important role in maintaining a healthy, friendly-looking smile.

Never use the dentist as a threat

Giving up sugary snacks in favor of healthy alternatives isn’t always easy. And it might be tempting to talk about cavities and fillings as a way to “scare” your child into better habits. 

But doing so can wind up backfiring on you in the long run. Negatively talking about dental care can make dental visits seem more like punishment, and it also portrays the dentist as someone who’s waiting to “hurt” them rather than help them. Instead, look for ways to make healthy foods more appealing and don’t keep sugary foods in the house.

If your child is anxious, let us know!

Our practice focuses on kids, which means we understand the concerns and worries kids (and their parents) may have about dental visits. Our entire team is committed to making the visit pleasant, so your child accepts dental visits as part of their lifetime health routine. If your child is nervous about their visit, let us know, and we can take extra steps to keep them calm and relaxed. 

Your child may never learn to love dental visits, but with your help, they can certainly come to accept them as part of their regular care routine. Just a little time invested can help your child enjoy healthier teeth and gums now and throughout their adult years.

For all of your child’s oral healthcare needs, book an appointment with Dr. Herrin or Dr. Petty at Herrin Pediatric Dentistry. We have two convenient locations in Marietta, GA.