Does Your Child Fear The Thought of the Dentist?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A child’s fear of going to the dentist can be overwhelming. Seeing the dentist is a significant part of a child’s health in order to maintain proper oral hygiene. Island Gazette provides pointers to easing your child into going to the dentist and preventing and diminishing fear.

Fear is learned through emotional responses. Children develop a fear through experience and listening. There are certain things to avoid or assert so your child won’t be afraid to go to the dentist:

• Speaking of your own dental fears or anxieties can put it in your child’s mind that the dentist is not a safe place. They pick up on your fears even through an innocent comment.
• Delaying going to the dentist will only increase any anxieties your child may have about the dentist. Children should start visiting the dentist at around ages 1-2 years old. The younger your child goes, the less likely your child will fear the dentist.
• Sympathizing with your child may only legitimize their fear. Instead interpret a dental experience as a normal and positive experience.
• Do not bribe your child into going to the dentist because from then on they will expect a reward every time they go to the dentist. Share the importance of oral hygiene as a reward instead. 

A dental visit can be fun. If you are going to a reliable pediatric dentist like Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City, the atmosphere can be positive. Make sure your child understands all the benefits of going to the dentist’s office.  

Don’t let fear take over your child’s thoughts about the dentist. Oral hygiene is extremely important to a child’s overall health.

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To set up a fun and painless appointment for your child, please visit Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City at www.pediatricdentistryofgardencity.com,