It is completely normal if your child is fearful of visiting your Tampa dentist. For them, getting in a big scary chair and hearing loud tools working away in their mouth is overwhelming and can induce panic. While this type of fear is normal, there are ways to combat this and encourage good hygiene habits. If your child grows up fearful of your Tampa dentist, this could cause them to avoid their regular visits, causing long-lasting damage to their teeth and gums.

How You Can Convince Your Child to Visit Tampa Dentist

Start as young as possible

Even before teeth begin to appear, cleaning your babies’ gums can get them comfortable with the process. As soon as they get their first tooth, you should make an appointment with your local Tampa dentist. This will get them established and can begin the conversation about your child’s oral health.

Make it fun

Buy your child a fun toothbrush with their favorite character on it to make brushing more exciting. If this isn’t enough, let them bring a favorite toy into the bathroom with them for comfort. They can then use this toy (if small enough) at their dentist appointments as a way to cope with their fears.

Do it together

Children are always watching, even when it comes to oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth together makes them realize that everyone has to do it and it’s not that scary. If your children sense you dislike dentist visits, they will feed off of this and come to resent it themselves.

Consult your Dentist

If practicing at home just isn’t cutting it, consult with your local Tampa dentist. Ask if they do visits so your child can view the office and meet the dentist beforehand and ask questions. This is a great time for you to find out if you can be in the examination room with your child; sometimes all it takes is a hand to hold or seeing a parent in the corner to calm them down.

There are so many ways to help relieve your children’s fears of the dentist, but finding the right one for you can seem difficult. Here at North Pointe Dental, our trained staff will make you and your family feel right at home.