Is your child scared of the dentist?

Spooky season is back once again! Irish folklore has no shortage of scary monsters that go bump in the night – from the infamous banshee to the terrifying Abhartach – and while Halloween may delight kids with tales of vampires and witches, for many it’s a trip to the dentist that strikes the greatest fear.

Childhood phobia of the dentist is not uncommon. Studies have stated that around 17% of patients struggle with dental anxiety*, and the figure is presumed to be higher among children. This has been given as an explanation of why many children avoid visiting the dentist for important check-ups. Considering up to 25.4% of children aged one to nine years old in the Republic of Ireland have untreated cavities** this is a matter which needs to be addressed.

Are dentists really that scary?

Of course not. Contemporary dentistry in Ireland is worlds away from the horror stories that grew around the practices of a century or so ago, but it’s undeniable that many of those fears and stories remain as part of popular culture today. There are evil dentists in children’s books, cartoons and scary movies, and we’ve even seen dentist Halloween costumes on sale around this time of year!

Despite dentistry today being mostly pain-free and efficient, parents and caregivers sometimes (consciously or unconsciously) pass on their own childhood fears and outdated experiences to their children. As we all know, kids can be very perceptive – if they see an adult expressing fear about their upcoming filling or root canal treatment, they’ll feel scared about their own visits to the local clinic.

At Smiles Dental, we know that it’s unlikely children are going to start looking forward to going to the dentist or consider it a fun activity. However, it is an essential part of keeping your children’s oral health in excellent condition, and should never be stressful or cause anxiety.

Let’s look at eight top tips for helping your little ones feel better about their check-ups.

1. Start young

When should your child start visiting the dentist? Most oral health practitioners would agree that it should really start by their first birthday, or when their teeth start erupting. Often, fear of the dentist is nothing more than the fear of the unknown – get your children accustomed to visiting the dentist, and they’ll be less likely to feel scared.

2. Lead by example

Think carefully about how you – as a parent or caregiver – talk about the dentist regarding your own visits. Even if your experiences have been hair-raising in the past, don’t pass on these negative expectations to your children. Put on a brave face, and keep your little ones feeling optimistic about their routine exam.

3. Use some affirming resources

There are plenty of excellent books, cartoons and other resources out there designed to help kids feel better about going to the dentist. Speak to your child’s school or local library, or search a video sharing platform to see what you can find to read, watch and enjoy together.

We’re especially fond of Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron, Peppa Pig’s Dentist Trip and The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums by Edward Miller.

4. Keep expectations realistic

Children respond badly to feeling as though they’ve been tricked or misled. Just as you shouldn’t say anything to make kids fearful of the dentist, you should probably avoid doing the opposite, too. Letting them believe their check-up will be something it probably won’t be might result in them feeling even more anxious in the future.

Simply let them know that while it might not always be comfortable or fun, there’s nothing to be scared of and their dentist is there to help them keep their teeth strong and healthy.

5. Use imaginative play

Kids love acting out what they imagine to be ‘grown up’ situations, especially if they get to play at having some authority over their parents and caregivers. Why not play being the patient and your child can take on the role of the dentist, allowing you to start a conversation about what happens at the clinic during a check-up?

6. Consider the timing of your appointments

Young childrens’ moods vary – often pretty wildly – throughout the day. Some kids are particularly challenging when they’re hungry, others get over emotional when they’re feeling sleepy or are overstimulated first thing in the morning. Any kind of dental anxiety is going to be worse when your child is already a little off-kilter, and this is something you should keep in mind.

Try and book your child’s appointment when you know they’re normally a bit more settled, such as after a good nap or a decent night’s sleep and a nourishing breakfast. It’s not a foolproof approach, but it might make things a little easier for everyone involved.

7. Speak to your dentist before the appointment

One of the best ways to help your child get comfortable in the dentist’s chair is to encourage some rapport between them. Dentists want their check-ups with children to go smoothly, and will appreciate knowing in advance if the child is feeling anxious or scared.

Having a chat with the dentist before the appointment will allow you to drop in a few hints of subjects that can be brought up to help the child relax. If your little one is passionate about unicorns, dinosaurs, or a particular cartoon or game, let the dentist know – these nuggets of wisdom can go a long way when a child is in need of distraction.

8. Consistency is key

Kids thrive on consistency and routine, no matter how chaotic and unpredictable your little ones sometimes seem to be. If possible, try and see the same dentist every time – they’ll then have the opportunity to build a relationship with your child, gaining their trust and even their enthusiasm for dental health.

9. Make oral health fun!

Brushing twice a day shouldn’t feel like a chore for your children. By bringing some fun into their oral health routine, you’ll be able to make maintaining healthy teeth and gums fun while removing fears of visiting the dentist, too.

Why not try picking up a musical toothbrush for your little one which plays a ditty for the two minutes the brush is being used? You could also play your favourite song and dance while brushing together, or remind your child how proud the dentist will be when they see their clean and sparkling teeth.

Keeping kids smiling this Halloween and all year round

At Smiles Dental, we take pride in providing fantastic dental care forthe whole family, no matter their age. We also know that happy kids make the best patients, and our friendly teams know all kinds of ways to ensure your little one looks forward to their next visit.

Find your nearest Smiles Dental clinic today. Together we’ll begin your child’s journey to excellent oral health, leaving all their fears and worries at the door.



*   cora.ucc.ie
** dentalhealth.ie

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