How To Prevent My Child From Being Afraid Of Going To The Dentist

Care through a practice offering pediatric dentistry in Green Bay, WI, should start around a child’s first birthday. Some children display fear of the dental office before or during that first visit while others may develop fear later after an intense dental procedure. Regardless of the reason or time of onset for dental fear or phobia, Dr. Heidi Eggers-Ulve and Dr. Eric Ulve are prepared to help all children work through the fear to a place of comfort at Green Bay Family Dental.

It’s often easier to prevent fear in children than to overcome it after it has set in, so we want to share a few dental fear prevention tips. These tips aren’t guaranteed to stop a child from feeling afraid at the dentist, but they will help.

Don’t Skip Early Dental Visits

Start with the one-year visit, and then go on schedule as recommended by your dentist. Prioritize dental appointments for the whole family. That allows your child to enjoy pleasurable experiences early in life and makes dental visits a normal occurrence or life routine.

What if a child starts to show signs of dental fear prior to the first visit? You can read books related to the dentist and talk about your own experiences with your child. Make it an exciting adventure or reward for getting “big enough” to see the dentist.

Aim for Consistency at the Office

Allow your children to get familiar with the staff, dentists, office setting, and procedure at a dental office offering pediatric dentistry in Green Bay, WI. Then stick with that location as long as possible. Fear is often the result of uncertainty or not knowing what to expect. It only makes sense to introduce the dentist and then keep everything predictable.

Aim for Consistency at Home, Too

Dental care at home should become a daily routine that gets your child accustomed to touching and cleaning their teeth and gums. Young children can “help” brush their teeth before they even have teeth. Open the bathroom door and allow them to at least see other members of the family taking care of their dental needs.

Consult with Your Dentist Before Major Procedures

If your child must go through a procedure beyond basic cleaning and x-rays, work with your dentist to set expectations on the child’s level of comprehension. Manage pain effectively. Don’t allow a long gap between the procedure and a more pleasant dental office experience.

Do you have a child ready for pediatric dentistry in Green Bay, WI? If so, contact Dr. Eggers-Ulve and Dr. Ulve at Green Bay Family Dental. Call (921) 432-2961 to schedule an appointment or discuss ways to overcome your child’s fear of the dentist.