First visit of the child to the dentist

Fear resulting from the first visit to the dentist with a child is a problem that most parents struggle with, or going to a specialist (by the way we are afraid of ourselves like fire) is to be skipped at all?

Well, one of the reasons why children are afraid of the dentist is the fear passed on to them by their parents. Children learning by imitation themselves are often afraid of what mom or dad, so be careful whether before the visits to the dentist at all spread visions straight from the worst horror. It is worth asking the question: what are we really afraid of ourselves and is it really our fear?

What are we afraid of visiting the dentist?

Once we have the answer, we can begin to consciously prepare the child for a dentist visit. It is best to start as early as possible (2-3 years old) with adaptive visits. In practice, this means that we come to the study with the child not immediately for a proper examination, but first for a kind of cognitive reconnaissance. During such a meeting, the child meets a doctor, he should also be able to see the office, basic equipment, he can sit in a dental chair and play with e.g. an intraoral mirror.

Taming a child before visiting a dentist

In the meantime, at home, parents simultaneously conduct their educational activities! These can be simple activities related to telling a child a story about a nice dentist, brushing teeth together or organizing a dental check-up for all stuffed animals.

Remember:

• It may be that you unconsciously pass on the fear of visiting the dentist to your children. Consider where this fear came from. Maybe it’s bad experiences from years ago? It is hard to compare the comfort of visiting a dentist with the one that accompanied you several years ago. Times have changed, dentists have better equipment and medicines than they used to. There is nothing to be afraid of!
• Go with your child for an introductory visit. Let your child see that there is nothing to be afraid of. Let them see that not every visit does not have to involve treatments.
• Tame your child through play, it is also a great opportunity to be together. Make sure your child goes to the dentist with a smile. With a healthy smile!

Maria Dobraczyńska

psychologist, psychotherapist