Fun Ways To Tackle Kids Dentist Phobia

Is your little one screaming, crying or outright refusing to visit the dentist? From minor doubts to full on phobias, our kids’ dentists face all kinds of challenges with their mini patients. The good news is whatever is causing your child’s fear of the dentist, there are ways to help them overcome it. Here we look at what causes dental phobias and simple fun ways to tackle them. 

What Causes Fear Of The Dentist? 

Kids’ fear of the dentist can come from a number of places. Understanding and getting on the same page as them is the first step to tackling it. These are some of the most common causes for dentist nightmares. 

Sensory Sensitivity

A visit to the dentist can be a lot especially if your child has sensory sensitivities. From new smells, unfamiliar equipment to sounds the environment can make them anxious. The more they get used to a place the more comfortable they feel. 

Dentist Stories

If your child is already at school they may have heard stories from friends to cause apprehension. Kids can believe a lot of what they hear at a young age and it only takes an exaggerated story or two to give them the heeby-jeebies. 

Parent’s Anxieties

Being exposed to a grown-ups fear of the dentist can actually have a knock on effect. Kids are incredibly perceptive and can take on parental anxieties about getting in the chair. 

Fear of The Unknown

Going for a dentist appointment can make your child feel out of control and scared of the unknown. What will happen, how long will it take, will it hurt? There are a lot of things they may be worried about from lack of understanding. 

Unfamiliar Places & Faces

From starting a new school to going to a party, kids can be naturally nervous about new places, people and situations. Meeting different dentists and going to a place out of their comfort zone can put them on edge.

Now that you’ve explored some of the reasons your little one may be scared of the dentist, it’s time for good news. With patience, understanding and a relaxed approach you can transform the relationship. Believe it or not taking care of their oral health and a visit to the dentist can be something they enjoy. Here are some fun things to give a go. 

How Can You Help Little Ones Overcome Dental Fear? 

Use Fun Language

Hygiene appointment or treat for your teeth? Dental check-up or let’s keep the tooth fairy happy? Dentist or tooth-super hero? Making simple changes to the language around dentists and oral health can create a positive experience and flip the script. 

Story Time

Making up your own stories or reading kids books about trips to the dentist can help them feel more in control and look forward to what’s coming. Having a positive idea of what will happen and the great rewards of looking after your teeth can help them feel calm, curious and confident about an appointment. 

Make It A Game

Brushing teeth twice a day can easily be transformed from a chore to a fun game with the right approach. Make it a little part of their routine they look forward to through songs or role play. Keeping a reward chart is a fun way to make it more interactive. Maybe they get a sticker at the end of the week for all their brushing and shiny, clean teeth. We have tooth trackers, tooth fairy vouchers and activity sheets for them to do at home to turn their oral journey into heaps of fun. 

Consider ‘Happy’ Inhalation Sedation

To overcome severe phobias, the kids dentists at loveteeth are qualified and experienced with sedation. This may be suitable to help them to tackle the initial, intense fear until they feel more relaxed. 

Book A Free Tooth Adventure

Our kid’s only clinic has everything little ones need to make their dentist appointment a super fun adventure. From super hero dentists, smile machines to dinosaurs – book a free consultation with one of our team. Their relaxed, genuine and patient approach to little ones helps them connect and feel calm. We provide free consultations for all new clients and love watching the journey from dental fear to dental confidence in our little patients. 

The Teeth Super Hero Take Aways

If your little one is scared of the dentist, you are far from alone. This is a common phobia often caused by anything from sensory sensitivity, school stories to fear of the unknown. Fun ways to help them tackle their phobia is staying relaxed, using fun language and turning oral routines into a game. Stories and play can create a happier perception and relationship with taking care of their teeth. Sedation can be a last resort to overcome intense, overwhelming and initial fear. Choosing an experienced, kid’s focused dentist like LoveTeeth Kids can make a huge difference to their experience. The team are big kids themselves and truly enjoy turning little ones’ oral journeys into super fun adventures. 

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