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Patient Education

How To Deal With Your Child’s Dental Anxiety

Patient Education

September 16, 2022

Does your child get scared or nervous when it comes time for their dental appointment? It’s more common than you might think. Many adults also deal with dental anxiety. The Peak Dentistry team believes that it’s important for people of all ages to get routine dental care to keep their smile in the best shape possible. Through our years of experience working with dental patients young and old, we’ve gathered some tips to help you calm your child’s dental anxiety.

A smiling man wearing headphones in an atrium

Play Pretend Dentist at Home

Help your child learn about what it’s like going to see the dentist in the safety of your home. It’s a lot less scary to learn about something new in a familiar space. Before their dental appointment, you can role-play dentist at home. Take turns being the dentist or the patient. You can also pretend that it’s their stuffed animals who are going to the dentist.

Use Positive Language

Don’t talk about bad dental experiences you may have had at the dentist in front of your children. Make sure you use positive language like “clean,” “healthy” and “strong.” Help your children understand the importance of regular dental appointments as part of taking care of their teeth. We want your children to come to their appointment feeling brave and confident!

Read Dental-Related Kids Books

There are many different kids books available that are designed to teach children about the importance of dental care and show them what it’s like visiting the dentist. These books are written in just the right language to help your child understand without becoming afraid.

Plan Ahead

Instead of surprising your child with a scheduled dental appointment, give them plenty of advance notice. On the day of the appointment, allow enough time to get ready without rushing. Arrive a little early so your child can relax a minute in our comfortable waiting room before their appointment.

Ask Our Dental Team

If you’re still having trouble managing your child’s anxiety at the dentist’s office, contact Peak Dentistry in Clyde, NC. Our friendly team would be happy to discuss with you what can be done to ensure they get the oral health care they need through positive experiences. The Ramellini doctors have children of their own and understand how to talk to children. We offer family dental care, so both you and your child are warmly welcome into our dental family.

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We're proud to provide care that makes a lasting impact, and our patients' experiences reflect that commitment. Hear from the families who trust Peak Dentistry with their smiles.

I don’t normally take the time to write reviews, but Peak Dentistry deserves recognition. My husband and I have been so fortunate to be a part of this practice for 10 years driving 2-1/2 hours each way to make our appointments. Drs. Joe and Gabrielle Ramellini, as well as their staff, have provided a level of dental care that reflects their expertise in the work they do that sets them apart as very unique and special. We highly recommend Peak Dentistry to anyone who is interested in quality care you can trust with a personal touch.
— Judy F.
Absolutely love the people in this office. Very professional.
— Marilyn M.
New patient visit. Office was beautiful, the treatment was 1st rate in every sense, and I was so impressed with all the latest technology.
— Mark
The entire staff at Peak Dentistry is amazing, but I would like to highlight my hygienist, Missy, in particular. I went in for a regular teeth cleaning and didn't necessarily expect to be "wowed" but Missy took such care and attention to detail that I walked out of there with the pearliest whites I have ever had. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful white smile, Missy!
— Michelle O.