March 6th is National Dentist Day! 🦷 Dental anxiety is a common in kids, but here are some strategies to help ease the anxiety and teach them how to cope with a dental visit:
- Read storybooks about going to the dentist
- Play a dental care role-playing game to give your child confidence in the visit
- Bring a toy or comfort blanket to the appointment
- Look up photos and videos of dental tools, equipment, sites, and sounds associated with going to the dentist ahead of time.
- Talk with your child about a reward they can receive after dental appointments (like a toy or game)
- Don’t use dental procedures as a threat to encourage oral hygiene—use positive reinforcement instead
- Visit a pediatric dentist, if possible
Thank you, dentists, dental hygienists, and all dental professionals! 🪥
