Getting Your Child Ready for the Dentist: Books, Pretend Play, and Words to Avoid

Worried your child will fear the dentist? Start 1 to 2 weeks ahead with books and pretend play, know what to say and avoid, and pick the right appointment time.

Lots of parents worry their child will cry at the dentist, or end up hating it. New places feel strange to grown-ups too. A little preparation makes even a first visit feel much less strange. Here's what you can do at home and how to talk about it.

Why kids are afraid of the dentist

Kids usually fear the dentist because there's so much they don't know. A chair they've never seen, bright lights, strange sounds, and grown-ups in masks, all at once. Things they've seen in photos or pictures, or tried out in play, feel less scary. That's why dental teams also guide kids by first explaining in words, then showing the tools, and then doing it.

Your feelings rub off on your child too. If a parent who had hard times at the dentist passes on that anxiety, it can affect how the child feels. Parents' and kids' dental fears are linked, and some research found the link was stronger the younger the child. Just saying "This'll be fun!" with a relaxed face is great preparation.

Crying or squirming during the visit is normal at this age. The goal of the first visit isn't to get through without tears. It's simply to experience the dentist once.

Start getting ready 1–2 weeks ahead

1. Read picture books or watch videos together. Start reading stories about going to the dentist 1–2 weeks before. Choose ones that don't mention hurting, shots, or drills.
2. Play dentist. Wear a white shirt as a coat and count the teeth of a doll or family member while they say "Ahh." Kids love it even more when you switch roles and let them be the dentist counting your teeth.
3. Practice opening wide. In front of a mirror, open your mouths wide together and try holding it for a few seconds.
4. Pick the appointment time carefully. Avoid nap time and book when your child is well rested. Anyone gets cranky when they're sleepy and hungry.
5. Bring a favorite thing. A stuffed animal or blanket your child always sleeps with helps them feel safe in a new place.
6. Plan what happens afterward. Pick something fun, like a trip to the playground, and save snacks for after the visit.

Keep your words short and simple.

• "The dentist is going to count your teeth."
• "The dentist will see what a great job you've done brushing."

On the other hand, don't bring up words like hurt, shot, or pull. Even a comforting "It won't hurt at all" puts the word "hurt" in your child's head, so it's best to skip it. If your child asks "Will I get a shot?", say "I'm not sure. Let's ask the dentist together."

Young children are sometimes examined sitting on a parent's lap. The parent and dentist sit knee to knee, and the child sits facing the parent, then lies back onto the dentist's lap. All you need to do is hold your child's hands.

Frequently asked questions

Let the dental office know ahead of time if

• Your child is especially fearful or very shy with strangers
• Your child had a hard time at a dentist or doctor before
• You want to decide whether a parent will go into the treatment room
• You'd like to visit and look around before any treatment
• The first birthday has passed and you haven't chosen a regular dentist yet

English ebook · Dentist Ingyoon An

A guide to the decisions behind dental care

Tooth Calendar follows dental care from pregnancy to eighteen in 78 chapters. Explore the reasons behind feeding, brushing, baby-tooth decay, sedation, and injury decisions—including what can be watched and when to seek help. Age-based contents and a topic index help you find the concern you have today.

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The information in this article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional dental care. Talk to a dentist about your child's condition.

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