How to Talk to Your Child About the Dentist: A Stress-Free Guide for Parents

How to talk to children about visiting the dentist 

Talking to kids about visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, the more you normalise going to the dentist, the less they will worry about going. Here’s what to tell your child about their upcoming dental appointment.

Keep it positive

Many people with dental anxiety develop this fear through influence from their family. If your child hasn’t been to the dentist yet, they won’t know what to expect. By framing a visit to the dentist as a way to care for your teeth, you’ll create positive associations for your child as they grow up.

Keep explanations short and simple

If your child asks what happens at a dental visit keep your replies simple. Sharing too much information can be confusing and it’s often not necessary. You can tell children that the dentist will count how many teeth they have and use special tools to check that each tooth is healthy. Their dentist might even clean their teeth at the end of their appointment. 

Focus on what your child is doing well

It’s important to remember that your child’s dental health is your responsibility. What your child eats and drinks, and how often they brush their teeth is something you can control. If you are helping your child look after their teeth, the chances of them needing a filling are low. Skip any talk about cavities or decay when they are young. Instead focus on what they are doing well. 

Keep negative feelings to yourself

Be careful about how you frame your own experiences with the dentist. Speaking positively about their visit to the dentist but negatively about any past experiences you may have had can be confusing. It can fill them with unnecessary worry. Try to keep your language neutral and stick to the facts. 

Make it a regular habit

The more familiar your kids are with the dentist, the more comfortable they will be with each visit. Sticking to your annual dental appointments will also ensure that any issues they have are caught early. You can start taking your child to the dentist once they get their first tooth or at six months of age – whichever comes first.

What to expect at your child’s dental visit

At your child’s appointment, our friendly dentists will take a look at how their teeth and gums are developing and make sure everything looks healthy. 

For young children, we’ll exam them while they sit in your lap as this makes the experience less scary. As your kids grow up, they’ll naturally feel more comfortable being examined in the chair with you by their side. 

First appointment (around 6 months old):

Your dentist will gently examine their mouth and gums. They’ll also discuss any teething or feeding habits that might concern you as well as give advice on how to care for emerging teeth. 

Early childhood:

Between the ages of two and five your child is usually old enough to have their teeth cleaned by your dentist. Sometimes flouride is applied to help strengthen their teeth. Your dentist will also check that their bite alignment is developing properly and will go over proper brushing and flossing techniques with you and your child.

Middle childhood:

As children grow up your dentist will undertake a more thorough cleaning and examination of their teeth. This usually includes taking x-rays to check for signs of decay or cavities. Your dentist may also discuss the importance of diet as this has a big impact on child tooth loss. In the primary school years its sealants may even be applied to their molars to prevent decay.

Teenagers:

As children enter their teenage years your dentist will focus on maintaining good oral hygiene practices (especially when it comes to flossing) and whether your child needs braces or other orthodontic treatments. They may also talk about their wisdom teeth if they happen to develop during this time. 

Need to book an appointment for your child? Choose a dentist you trust

A compassionate dentist and one willing to take their time can make all the difference. Choose a dentist that puts patient comfort first. At Gentle Dental, our friendly staff aim to make your child’s dental visits enjoyable.