At The Dental Place, we understand that visiting the dentist can be an intimidating experience for children — and sometimes even for parents. Fear of the unknown, strange tools, and unfamiliar sounds can all contribute to dental anxiety. But regular dental checkups are essential for keeping your child’s teeth healthy and setting them up for a lifetime of good oral habits.
The good news? With the right approach, you can help make dental visits less scary — and even fun — for your child.
Here’s how.
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Start Early and Make It Routine
The earlier a child visits the dentist, the better. The Canadian Dental Association recommends scheduling the first dental visit within six months of the first tooth coming in, or by age one. Early visits help your child become familiar with the dental office and build trust with their dentist.
Regular checkups from a young age also reinforce that dental visits are just a normal part of life — not something to fear.
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Choose a Kid-Friendly Dental Office
Not all dental offices are created equal when it comes to treating children. At The Dental Place, we make every effort to create a welcoming, kid-friendly environment with gentle care, bright décor, and a friendly team who loves working with kids.
From the waiting room to the dental chair, the setting should feel safe and approachable. Some offices even have TVs, toys, or books to keep children occupied and relaxed.
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Use Positive Language
How you talk about the dentist matters. Avoid using scary or negative words like “hurt,” “pain,” “needle,” or “pull.” Instead, use simple and positive language. For example:
- “The dentist is going to count your teeth.”
- “You’ll get your teeth cleaned so they stay strong and healthy.”
Let the dental team explain any complex procedures — they’re trained to use age-appropriate language that’s non-threatening.
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Play Pretend Dentist at Home
One great way to ease fear is by playing “dentist” at home. Take turns being the dentist and the patient. Use a toothbrush to “check” each other’s teeth. Show your child how the dentist might count their teeth or clean them gently.
This role-playing game can help make the experience feel familiar, reduce fear of the unknown, and even make them excited for the real visit.
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Read Children’s Books About the Dentist
There are plenty of fun, educational books about going to the dentist. Reading these together before the appointment can help demystify the process and present it in a friendly, approachable way. Some popular titles include:
- The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
- Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
- Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip by Scholastic
These stories often show beloved characters having a positive dental experience, which can help children feel more confident.
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Keep Your Own Anxiety in Check
Kids pick up on their parents’ emotions. If you’re nervous about the dentist, try to stay calm and positive in front of your child. Avoid telling scary stories about your own dental visits. Instead, speak positively about how dentists help us stay healthy and pain-free.
Your confidence will help your child feel safe.
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Use Rewards and Praise (Not Bribes)
Offering small rewards — like a sticker or a trip to the park after the visit — can help children feel motivated and appreciated. Be careful not to bribe them with promises like “You’ll get a toy if you don’t cry.” This can unintentionally reinforce the idea that there’s something scary to endure.
Instead, praise their bravery and cooperation no matter how the visit goes.
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Stay Calm During the Appointment
During the visit, stay calm and reassuring. If your child becomes upset, don’t panic. The dental team at The Dental Place is trained to work with children and knows how to gently redirect and comfort them.
Stay nearby, hold their hand if needed, and let the dental professionals guide the process. With patience and empathy, even a nervous child can have a positive experience.
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Make Oral Hygiene Fun at Home
Creating fun habits at home can help your child develop a positive attitude toward oral care in general. Let them choose their own toothbrush (maybe one with a favourite character), use kid-friendly toothpaste, or play a fun song while brushing.
The more they associate teeth-cleaning with fun, the less intimidating the dentist will seem.
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Celebrate Progress
Even if the visit didn’t go perfectly, celebrate the effort. Whether they sat in the chair, opened their mouth for the dentist, or simply made it through the door — these are all steps forward. Each visit can build on the last, helping reduce fear over time.
Final Thoughts
Dental visits don’t have to be scary. With preparation, positivity, and support from a kid-friendly dental team like ours at The Dental Place, you can help your child feel confident and calm at every appointment.
Building trust early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles — and happy dental visits.
📅 Is your child due for a checkup?
Contact The Dental Place today to schedule an appointment. Our caring team is here to make your child’s dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
