How To Help Your Child Overcome Their Fear of The Dentist Rifkin Raanan Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry

Routine cleanings and prevention are crucial during the earliest years of tooth development, however, many children have issues with visiting the dentist. Getting your child out of the house and into the dental chair can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. At Rifkin Raanan, we have several tips and tricks for making your child’s visit to the dentist a more pleasant experience.

Get Your Child Comfortable with Dentistry

The best way to eliminate any fear is to get your child well-acquainted with their dentist. When you start your child off young, they become more desensitized to the discomfort of visiting the dentist. The more they visit the dentist, the more familiar they become with the environment, therefore making them less likely to develop dental anxiety. Their first visit should start with their first tooth.

Simplify the Details

It is important to avoid getting too in depth with details of the dental procedure. Growing minds can sometimes not fully grasp the importance of dental work, and presenting the visit in a fun and lighthearted manner can help ease the process. Try to answer any questions they may have with positivity or another question that may ease their worries. Avoid using words that reference pain, or an explanation of dental tools.

Visit the Office Before Your Visit

Most dental offices in Beverly Hills that treat children will be more than willing to allow you and your child to tour the office prior to an appointment. This will help your child gain a familiarity of the space and feel more comfortable when visiting for a dental procedure.

Give Your Dentist Information

It is essential for a dentist to know about your child’s interests before any dental procedure. This way, if your child begins to exhibit signs of anxiety, the dentist can distract your child with a conversation on lighter topics.

Never Take Your Children to Your Appointments

You may think it to be beneficial to take your child to your dental appointment to show them how easy the process is, but it is not recommended. Spectating can cause a child’s mind to wander and can have them developing anxiety over dental instruments used. An oral check-up is always more pleasant from the comfort of a dental chair.

Don’t Use Bribes

Bribery can raise a child’s dental anxieties because it gives them the impression that they are going to have to endure something unpleasant in order to receive their reward. It is best to treat a visit to the dentist with nonchalance.

Schedule a “play visit” or dental work for your child, with one of the top cosmetic dentists in Beverly Hills, Drs. Rifkin and Raanan.