Treating it like any other appointment really does help. I’ve found that if you avoid making a big deal out of it, kids pick up on your calmness. Letting them mess with the chair controls or pick a sticker after? Total game changer. It’s funny—sometimes I think the anticipation is worse than the visit itself.
It’s funny—sometimes I think the anticipation is worse than the visit itself.
That totally rings true for us. My daughter worked herself up for days before her first cleaning, but once she was in the chair, she was mostly fascinated by all the gadgets and the little mirror. The dental hygienist letting her “help” count her own teeth made such a difference. I used to be pretty anxious myself, so I really try to keep my own nerves in check. Sometimes it’s the waiting room that’s scarier than anything else...
Sometimes it’s the waiting room that’s scarier than anything else...
Interesting take—I actually see the opposite with some kids. The waiting room is usually where they're still distracted, but once they're in the chair, that's when the nerves hit. Have you ever tried letting your daughter watch a favorite show or listen to music while she waits? For some, the transition from waiting to the chair is the hardest part, not the anticipation itself. Curious if anyone else's kids are more anxious once they're actually in the dental room?
My kid gets way more anxious once we’re actually in the dental room. The waiting room is just boring for her, but as soon as she sees the chair and all the tools, that’s when the panic starts. I’ve tried the headphones and favorite show trick, but honestly, it only works up until the dentist walks in. After that, she just freezes up.
One thing that’s helped a bit is letting her hold onto a small stuffed animal during the appointment. Sounds silly, but it gives her something to focus on and squeeze if she’s nervous. Also, we talk through what’s going to happen before we even leave the house—like, step by step. That way there aren’t as many surprises.
I’m not sure if some kids just need to see everything ahead of time or if it’s just a personality thing. Does anyone else’s kid ask a million questions once they’re in the chair? Mine wants to know exactly what every tool does... which sometimes helps, sometimes not.
My youngest is the same way—total chatterbox about every single tool. Once, she asked if the suction thing was a “tiny mouth vacuum” and the hygienist just rolled with it. I’ve noticed that letting her “help” by holding the mirror sometimes distracts her just enough to get through a cleaning. Has anyone else tried having their kid play dentist at home before the real thing? Can’t say it’s a miracle cure, but at least it gets a few giggles out of mine...