Are you Nervous about Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist?

Many people get nervous when they are going to visit a dentist for the first time. Children may have a phobia of going to the dentist and this phobia needs to be eliminated so that it does not stick with them for their whole life. The first visit to the dentist is crucial. If it is your first visit to the dentist or your child’s first visit, there are plenty of tips to make it easier for you.

Prepare Yourself

The basic tip to remain calm is by talking to others who visit the dentist often. This will give you a general idea about what to expect on your first visit to the dentist. Everyone has a different story and perspective so only use it to get an idea and do not believe every single thing they say because if someone is afraid of the dentist they are going to invoke that fear into you. It varies from dentist to dentist, some are more accommodating than the others for the people who are nervous and fearful, some are specialized in dealing with kids etc.

Prepare your Child

If it’s the child’s first visit to dentist than the parent should make sure they do their best to eliminate any fear of the dentist as this will help the child throughout their life. Parents can do so by sharing their own first experience in a positive light and making it feel less intimidating to the child.

Use positive phrases like “You have been so good this week that we can have a special treat by going to see Martin to have your teeth counted”. Don’t use negative phrases that instil doubt like, “It won’t hurt” or “There is no need to get scared” or “You don’t need to worry”. Children are very sensitive to these phrases and they know that if you are saying these things there is reason to worry. If you personally are fearful there is no need to pass this fear on to another generation, is there?