Children begin seeing doctors from the moment they are born, but by the time they reach the age that they are ready to see a dentist, they can feel a bit of uneasiness and anxiety about the situation. While every child will react differently, there are a few things you can do to help them stay calm during visits with the dentist:

Start as Young as Possible

If you can, begin the process of taking your child to the dentist as early as possible to decrease the possibility of excessive anxiety. The younger they begin seeing the dentist, the more comfortable they will be with the process as they grow older. Waiting to see the dentist too long increases the risk of cavities, and doing dental work right during the first visit will be much more scary for the child than a simple check-up.

Choose the Right Dentist

Choosing the right dentist for your kids is just another part of preventing a stressful situation, suggests dentists at Forest Lawn Dental Centre. It’s important to find an office that offers dental care for the whole family and helps kids be comfortable with their visits. Some dentists offer small prizes at the end of the exam, and others have toys to play with and books to read for children waiting for their appointment or for siblings to be finish their exam. A good dentist will talk to the children and help them feel at ease during their exam, which can make a huge difference in the outcome of the visit.

Roleplay at Home

During the days leading up to the dental appointment, do a bit of role-playing at home to help your child feel more at ease. Take turns playing the dentist and the patient so that the entire process seems more fun and easy-going than anything. Emphasize the fact to your child that seeing the dentist is not a painful experience.

Talk About the Importance of Going to the Dentist

Part of the reason children feel so hesitant about going to dentist appointments is because the sheer terror of the dentist’s hands and tools being in their mouths clouds their thought process. Explain how important it is to regularly have their teeth cleaned, and discuss just a few of the consequences that can take place if they don’t see the dentist on a regular basis.

Schedule Your Appointment Before Your Children’s

If it’s that time of the year for your entire family’s check-ups, be sure to schedule your appointment just before your children’s and on the same day. This will give your children a chance to see you being examined by the dentist, and it will show them that allowing a dentist to look around in your mouth is not a terrible or painful experience.

With a little effort and planning, your children can feel comfortable and less stressed for their dental exams. Don’t be surprised if your child still seems a bit apprehensive about their first dentist visit. By following these tips, going to the dentist with your kids can be a stress-free occurrence.