How to Help Your Child Overcome Fear of the Dentist

Based on the 2005 Survey of major dental magazine National Health, about 25 percent to 30 percent of persons 65 years and over were edentulous (having lost all of their natural teeth).

No one truly enjoys visiting the dentist, but the truth is, visiting the dentist is equally as detrimental to your health as visiting your regular physician. If you are a parent of a child who is frightened of the dentist, there are a few steps you can take to help them over come their fears.

First, according to several dentist magazines, is to start young. The younger you introduce dentist visits to your child, the better. Not only does this set a standard for dental health, but also allows the children to develop a higher level of comfort.

Several dental magazines suggest that keeping a positive attitude when discussing an upcoming visit, can make all of the difference. However, do not give your child false hope. Avoid saying that everything will be fine, because if you child ends up needing a treatment, he might lose trust in both the dentist and you.

Finally, while handing your child dentist magazines is probably a bit extreme, you should try your best to familiarize them with information about why they need to go. Try to associate the dentist with a positive experience, whether it be a special treat or trip after you go to the dentist, or a special reward at home.

Several dentist magazines suggest that if you go to the dentist regularly, you will avoid high risk dental infections. Not only are cavities painful, they are also potentially very dangerous for you.

Whether you use dentist magazines or the web, informing your child why it is important to go to the dentist will help them to understand why it is necessary. Leading by example is the best way to help your children overcome their fear, so keep that in mind.