How should I talk to my children about the dentist?

You've worked your way down the 'to-do' list and made your child's first dental appointment. So what do you say to them to make their first dental visit a fun, informative and exciting prospect?

A child's first dental experience is a significant one and will help to shape their attitudes about dental hygiene in the years to come.

Children can form opinions about the unknown very quickly, and they often lack the ability to question whether their opinions are based on facts or loosely built around random information. It is very difficult for a stranger (a Dentist, for example) to change an opinion of a child - especially when the opinion is one of fear and mistrust.

Children form their opinion of the dentist from a variety of places. Some of the most common sources of information are from family, peers and external sources such as books and media.
Unfortunately there's not much you can do to change what a child hears from their peers about the dentist. The good news is that parents have control over the information their child will hear and see at home. Some of the best (and worst) things that you can do at home include:

  • Never using a visit to the Dentist as a threat. We understand how frustrating it can be when your child refuses to brush and care for their teeth, however saying things like 'If you don't brush you'll have to go to the dentist and it will hurt' create negative and scary associations for a child.
  • Being mindful of not passing on your own fear of the dentist. Children pick up on their parent's attitudes and tend to model them. One of the best ways you can help your child to have a good relationship with the dentist is to attend regularly yourself and talk to your child calmly about what the dentist does to your teeth.
  • Read positive books about the dentist with your children. There are a number of great stories about the dentist - from classics like the Berenstein Bears and Dr Seuss, to modern characters like Charlie and Lola and Arthur. You can find these books at online bookstores such as Booktopia.

One of the best things about progressive and modern dentistry is that children can grow up without fear of the dentist! Regular examination and clean appointment are enjoyable and exciting to children who do not fear the dentist, and if treatment is required there are many modern options to ensure your childs comfort.

If your child has not yet visited the Dentist for the first time, call Greg Dougall Dental on 3357 9600. The friendly reception ladies can organize an appointment and give you some helpful tips on how to prepare your child for their first dental appointment.