7 Tips to Overcome Dentist Fear in Children
According to research, 80-90% of children in Turkey are afraid of dentists. Children's fear of the dentist begins at an early age, and if left untreated, it can manifest as a phobia in adults.
Parents who ask questions like "How can children overcome their fear of the dentist?", "What can be done to overcome fear in children about to visit the doctor?", and "How can children overcome their fear?" face a significant responsibility. Children's fear of the dentist stems from certain emotions they experience in their social lives, incorrect dentist practices, and misguided parental guidance.
Dentist Fear in Children - How to Overcome Dentist Fear?
Parents wondering how to overcome dentist fear in children should be aware of this and find a good pediatric dentist. With the help of a good dentist, children can overcome this fear and prevent dentist phobia from developing in adulthood. Tips for parents to help children overcome dentist fear:
1. Don't scare children with dentists.
The primary reason children develop a fear of the dentist is being told, "If you misbehave, I'll take you to the doctor." Fearing that misbehaving children will be taken to the doctor or referred to the police creates a phobia in children toward those working in these professions.
The first responsibility of parents is to avoid using these words when their children misbehave and to explain to them the potential problems their mouths will face if they don't go to the dentist. This is the first step in overcoming their fear of the dentist.
2. Choose a dentist wisely.
When it comes to overcoming children's fear of the dentist, another important step is to choose the right dentist. Overcome children's fear of the doctor with experienced and expert dentists, and your children will have a healthy smile.
Pediatric dentists' examination rooms and waiting rooms are also important for children's fear of the dentist. Pediatric dentists' offices should be decorated to attract children's attention. Expert pediatric dentists can provide effective answers to the question of how to overcome children's fear.
3. Motivate children.
Supporting our children in every way will help them overcome their fears. Parents who ask how to overcome their fear of the dentist should also support their children in this regard.
Ensuring your child eats a meal they want after their dentist visit or buying them a gift can motivate them to go to the dentist. Children who are motivated with rewards will find it easier to overcome their fear.
4. Play doctor games.
For those who say, "My child is afraid of the dentist," playing doctor with your child is one step in overcoming their fear of the dentist. Playing this game with your child at home can help your child understand that fear of the doctor is unnecessary.
By pretending to be the dentist, your child can examine you and see that you don't feel any pain during the exam. Similarly, as a doctor, you can make this profession more appealing to your child.
5. Go to the doctor with friends
Another step in overcoming your child's fear of the dentist is to have friends who will be there for you and support you. Children are greatly influenced by their friends' behaviors and attitudes, and their fears are shaped accordingly.
When choosing a friend to accompany your child, ensure that they have had a dental checkup before and don't currently have any fears. This will help prevent dental fear in children.
6. Don't explain what will be done.
One way to overcome dentist fear in children is to avoid providing detailed information about the procedures to be performed. Explaining procedures in detail can increase dental fear in children.
If the information provided by the pediatric dentist doesn't match the procedures you've previously discussed, your child's anxiety will increase. Therefore, parents should avoid providing detailed information.
7. Don't skip checkups.
Children should start having dental checkups six months after their first baby tooth appears. For parents who say their child is afraid of the dentist, taking their child to checkups frequently will prevent the development of dental fear in children. When it comes to overcoming children's fear of the dentist, the dentist should be friendly, like your child, and avoid any procedures that might cause fear during the exam.
Those wondering how to overcome their fear of the dentist, what should I do if my child is afraid of the dentist, and what can be done to address their fear of the dentist can schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist today to learn more. For more information about dentist fear in children, please contact us.


















































































