Blog Post

My Child Is Scared of The Dentist
Posted on 02/07/2016

My Child Is Scared of The Dentist

Our Honolulu pediatric dentist, Dr. Allen Hirai and his staff at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala understands that many kids are anxious or even scared to see a dentist. That is why we strive to make each visit to our office a pleasant one for your child as each positive visit helps build trust to make your child feel at ease.

Taking kids to the dentist is very important as dental visits help keep their teeth healthy while promoting good oral hygiene habits. But from a child's point of view, going to the dentist can be a frightening event as the experience of being in an unfamiliar room filled with odd noises and instruments is scary. If your child is afraid of seeing a dentist, here are a few tips to try that can help ease the anxiety he or she feels.

Start Young

Blog01_08Feb2016.jpgThe earlier a child visits the dentist, the better. Children should see a Honolulu, HI pediatric dentist for the first time when their first tooth appears which is between the ages of 6 and 12 months and no later than the age of one. Kids who begin seeing the dentist at a young age are more familiar with the experience to help put them at ease.




Be Positive

When talking to your child about going to the dentist, be positive and keep it simple. Don't provide your child with too many details as doing so will raise more questions. And avoid saying that nothing much will happen because your child may end up needing some type of treatment wherein he/she will lose trust in both you and the dentist.

Watch What You Say

Do not use words that will scare your child like 'shot', 'drill' or 'pain'. Allow our staff to use our own vocabulary that helps kids feel at ease. Remind your friends and relatives not to talk negatively about seeing a dentist in front of your child as that type of talk is scary and alarming.

Don't Use Bribery

Avoid telling your child things like you'll give them a sweet treat for not fussing while at the dentist. This can send a negative message telling your child that's there is something to be upset about and it tells your child that eating sweets is OK when kids really should learn early on that sweets can cause cavities. Instead, once the visit is over, praise your child for their good behavior and maybe reward them with something non-edible like a small toy.

Feel Free to contact us

Blog02_08Feb2016.jpgThese tips can help ease your child's fear about seeing their Honolulu HI pediatric dentist. We're always available to speak with you, so please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.