New experiences in general can cause anxious feelings for kids. Visits to the dentist are no different. People are often fearful of the dentist, regardless of how old they are. Luckily for adults, dental clinics like Townline Dental offer sedation dentistry.
So how can you be proactive in minimizing the fear of the dentist for your child? 
For starters, it is very important to talk positively about the dentist, whether you are speaking directly to your child or just in their vicinity. They pick up on things, after all. It doesn’t mean that you should over-exaggerate and make it sound like it’s going to be fun like going to the circus though. Just focus on keeping the conversation light, as the most important thing is to make your child feel relaxed as if they were going to the mall. Steer clear of using any “scary” terms like pain, sore, or hurt.
You’ll also want to be sure to tell them in advance that they have a dental appointment instead of just springing it on them last minute or randomly showing up at the clinic. This gives them time to mentally prepare and ask you any questions they may have. It is best to keep answers brief and to the point, plus encourage them to ask the dentist any questions they may have as well. Also, be sure to explain the importance of going to the dentist and ensure that they know that the dentist is their friend who has the job of keeping them healthy and safe.
We all know kids love surprises…and most dentists give children a takeaway or toothbrush, so it is a great idea to get them excited about that. It can serve as a good distraction for them knowing that there is 
something to look forward to. That said, it is also wise not to promise to buy them a treat after leaving the dentist if they behave, as they may get nervous wondering why you may be concerned about them possibly misbehaving.
If you are looking for a kids dentist in Abbotsford who goes the extra mile to put your child at ease, give us a call at Townline Dental and book an appointment today: 604-744-1513.
Our goal is to make your child so comfortable that they look forward to their next visit! Meet our wonderful Abbotsford dentists HERE.
