Blog Post

    Is Your Child Scared of the Dentist? 3 Tips to Beat the Fear

    Nov 13, 2019
    People have irrational fears about many things – fearing the dark, heights or confined spaces, but a common one that is shared through the generations and across the globe is being scared of a visit to the dentist. 
    Unfortunately, our culture has spread the view that a trip to the dental clinic equals pain. Cartoons, comics, movies and TV shows all support this idea with the white-coated dentist brandishing drills and syringes, so it’s no wonder that children are often fearful about dental treatment.  
    As parents or caregivers, it’s crucially important that you foster a positive attitude about visits to the dentist to benefit your child. Think of it as a gift that you are giving them – an opportunity to protect their smile and future health. 

    1. Keep your fears to yourself

    Children take their cues from their parents, and even from a very young age they can pick up how their parents are feeling. Chances are high that if you are anxious about a visit to the dentist, your child will be too. Your child can read you like an open book, so be mindful about how your words and reactions will influence your child, especially when you are having dental treatment too.

    The good news is that dental care has progressed enormously over the years and advances in technology ensure that diagnostic and treatment procedures are painless, and any issues that do occur are detected at an early stage. Dental health care is very different now in comparison to when you were a child!

    2. Take your child to your appointments

    Children have wonderful imaginations, and while this is a charming feature of childhood, the downside is that often their imagination runs away from them – the box under the bed becomes a monster, the wind in the trees a howling banshee. If your child comes with you to your routine dental clinic appointments from a young age, they will see that there is nothing to fear. You are normalising the environment and they will become quite relaxed in the dental clinic environment.

    3. Keep it simple

    When your child is scared of the dentist, your natural urge will be to talk them round to distract and reassure them. However, it’s best to keep it simple. You don’t need to give your child too much information, your dentist is experienced in answering children’s questions in a manner that is suitable for their age. Plus, it helps your child to build trust and rapport with their dentist. 

    Duxton Dental run family friendly dental clinics in Christchurch. We are Riccarton dentists who have a wealth of experience helping young people get comfortable visiting their dentist. The benefits of routine dental check ups will stay with your child throughout their life, which is why we are so passionate about supporting you to help your child overcome their fears.

    Contact us today to arrange your child’s appointment at our Christchurch dental clinic, and yes, teddy can come too. 
    Man and a woman brushing teeth in a mirror

    Do You Really Brush Your Teeth Properly?

    20 Dec, 2019 •
    Ever since you were a small child you will have been told you need to brush your teeth. It’s the first lesson you will have had in dental hygiene, but were you told how to brush your teeth correctly? From our dental clinics in Christchurch we have compiled a list of the 3 top brushing mistakes that people (of all ages) make when they brush their teeth.
    Healthy plate of food - vegetables and fruits

    Food for Thought: Eating for Oral Health

    23 Oct, 2019 •
    Eating healthy food fuels our bodies. Here at Duxton Dental, learn what foods should you be eating to help and maintain good oral health. Read more here.
    Girl checking her teeth after orthodontic treatment

    Orthodontic Brace Myths Busted

    By Duxton Dental • 29 Aug, 2019 •
    Braces may be one of the most popular orthodontic treatments, but there are still several myths and misconceptions surrounding them. We debunk these today.
    More Posts
    Share by: