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| by
Dr. Richard Bruner Pediatric Dentist |
 |
Question:
My 8-year-old is scared to death of the dentist. How can I calm his fears?
Answer:
Talk to him in a casual and positive manner about the importance of healthy teeth. For example, what are some things you need your teeth for (chewing, smiling, speaking, singing)? Try saying “twinkle, twinkle little star” and note the sounds are made by touching the tongue behind the teeth.
Make a trip to your library to check out books about visiting the dentist -- there are several excellent ones.
Most importantly, speak positively avoiding negative words that scare your child. The last thing you should never say is "It won't HURT!" I've seen many a cooperative child who is doing great turn to tears and apprehension when a parent says, "They won't HURT you." You surely wouldn't say that on a trip to the grocery.
Kids love adventures so make it fun and look forward to it (You GET to go visit the dentist next Thursday!) and those cold feet should disappear!
Pediatric dental offices are geared especially toward children and have specialized training and expertise in many ways to make a lifetime of dental health a positive experience for kids! You can visit the parent’s page on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Web site at http://www.aapd.org.
Dr Rick E Bruner
KidSmile.com