How to Make Your Child Feel Safe Going to the Dentist

Venturing into the dentist’s office can be a daunting experience for a child, filled with unfamiliar sounds, sights, and sensations, and the unfamiliar environment of a dental setting. However, with the right approach and understanding, parents can transform dental visits into positive experiences that foster a lifetime of good oral health habits. Our team can help you understand some practical strategies and thoughtful insights on making dental visits less intimidating and more welcoming for your children, ensuring they feel safe and supported throughout their dental care journey. Unfamiliar or strange sounds in the dental office can make children uneasy, so addressing these concerns is important.

At Esteem Dental in Lake Nona, FL, we are committed to providing a nurturing and welcoming environment for children to experience dental care. We understand the importance of a positive first impression of dentistry for young ones, and we strive to make every visit enjoyable and stress-free for them and their families. Making the first visit enjoyable and stress-free is crucial for building lifelong comfort with dental care. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, and we’re more than happy to discuss how we can make dental visits a positive experience for your child.

Why Are Children Scared to Go to the Dentist?

Many children are scared to go to the dentist because the unfamiliar environment, negative associations, or lack of prior experience can make dental visits intimidating. They may have heard bad stories from friends or family, or they may have heard exaggerations from television or other content they’ve consumed.

It’s normal for children to be afraid of pain, and they may fear that new tools and sounds, including strange sounds that can be unsettling, will impart more painful sensations. However, they will often let go of these fears when they realize the tools do not hurt, at least if they’re in good dental health.

Your child might also feel concerned about being around strangers or the unfamiliar environment of the dentist’s office. This is normal, as you’ve likely taught them to be cautious around people they don’t know. Hopefully, they will also feel less afraid after a couple of visits, forming connections with their regular dentist and other staff, and gaining a better understanding of navigating the office independently or with minimal support.

Pre-Visit Preparation: How Can Parents Help?

Before you take your child to the dentist, we encourage you to talk about what they might experience. Use child friendly language and avoid negative words when discussing the dentist to create a reassuring atmosphere. Remember to stay positive when talking about the visit, as your attitude can help set the tone for your child’s experience. 

Preferably, we suggest discussing the experience with your kid more than once, as well as some days prior. However, talking about the visit beforehand will be helpful, even if it is right before. Introducing dental visits at an early age helps your child become familiar with the process and reduces anxiety over time.

Tell them they can expect to meet the dentist and some assistants, that there may be some unfamiliar tools and sounds, and that talking may be difficult. Let them know that these people will mostly be friendly and kind and that the tools should not hurt them. If they feel any pain, they should be sure to tell the dentist. After talking about the visit, try role-playing a real appointment at home in a dental setting. You can take turns being the dentist and the patient, and even count or clean each other’s teeth. This helps your child learn what to expect and makes the experience feel like a normal part of life. Framing the dental visit in a positive way can help reduce anxiety and build healthy attitudes.

You can also comfort them by telling them you’ll be in the waiting room. Some dentists will also allow parents to spend time in the treatment room, which may also help your child feel comforted. Encourage your child to bring a favorite stuffed animal or comfort item to their child’s appointment for extra reassurance. Using distraction techniques, such as listening to music or telling stories, can also help reduce anxiety during the visit.

It may also be beneficial to tell them they can get a special treat or prize after their child’s appointment. This may help them feel excited about the appointment and associate the visit with something positive. For this purpose, many dental offices also offer prizes, such as small toys, stickers, or character-related toothbrushes, to their child patients. When your child receives a reward for positive behavior, it reinforces good habits and helps them feel proud. 

Positive reinforcement, such as praise or small rewards, can boost your child’s confidence and encourage them to view dental visits as a positive experience. Through these experiences, your child learns that dental visits are a normal part of life and can approach future appointments with confidence.

Choosing the Right Dental Team for Your Child

Selecting the right dental team for your child is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure positive dental visits and set the stage for a lifetime of good dental health. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children and understand how to make dental appointments a positive experience, even for those who may feel anxious or uncertain about visiting the dentist.

When searching for a dental office, look for one that is designed with children in mind. Many pediatric dental offices feature bright, welcoming environments and waiting rooms filled with toys, games, and colorful décor to help children feel at ease from the moment they arrive. This child-friendly atmosphere can make all the difference in helping your child feel comfortable and safe during their dental visit.

A great pediatric dentist and dental team will use positive language and age-appropriate explanations to help your child understand what to expect during their appointment. By communicating in a way that children feel comfortable with, the dental team can reduce dental anxiety and help your child develop a positive relationship with dental care. The best dental teams also take the time to answer your questions and involve you in your child’s oral health journey, ensuring that both you and your child feel informed and supported.

It’s also important to choose a dental team that emphasizes preventive care and teaches good dental habits from a young age. Pediatric dentistry recommends early visits, starting when the first tooth appears or by your child’s first birthday, to help children develop healthy habits and maintain healthy smiles. A focus on education and prevention not only helps keep your child’s teeth healthy but also builds their confidence and pride in taking care of their own dental health.

By choosing a dental team that is dedicated to creating a positive dental experience, you help your child feel proud of their healthy teeth and confident about future dental visits. The right dental team can make every dental appointment a positive step toward lifelong oral health, helping your child feel safe, supported, and excited about keeping their smile bright.

During the Visit: How to Support Your Child?

Once you’ve made it to the dentist’s office environment, it’s important for parents to stay calm and positive to help your child feel safe. Again, some dental offices may allow parents to stay in the treatment room for certain periods of time or for the duration of the stay. Be sure to check in with the office beforehand so you can be informed and communicate this with your child.

Your kid may also feel comforted if they can bring a comfort item, such as a toy, favorite book, or stuffed animal. Associating with a familiar item in a new space may be hugely helpful to them during a stressful time, and the visit is important for keeping your child’s teeth healthy.

Prioritize Your Child’s Well-Being and Comfort: Schedule an Appointment With Esteem Dental

Ensuring your child feels safe and comfortable at the dentist is our top priority at Esteem Dental in Lake Nona, FL. We’re committed to making every visit a positive experience and helping children build a healthy relationship with dental care from the start. 

To learn how we can support your child’s dental journey, call (407) 476-5650 or complete a contact form. Let’s create a foundation of trust and confidence together, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles for your little one.

Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS

Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.

✓ Medically Reviewed