Does your child have a dentist appointment coming up? Are they feeling nervous or unsure about it? They’re not alone. In fact, dental anxiety in children is something we plan for. Visiting the dentist or any doctor can be scary. Maybe they don’t know what to expect, if something will hurt, or simply why they have to stop playing to go see this dentist person. The good news is that we’re well-equipped to help kids and their parents prepare for a dental appointment, and we have ways to stay calm throughout. 

These gentle, practical tools can help your child feel more relaxed before their visit. With a little preparation, which we highly encourage, dental appointments can become a positive experience that builds their confidence and excitement for taking care of their oral health.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do. 

How can I help my child feel calm at the dentist? Try these 7 useful tips.

1. Talk about the dentist with confidence and honesty.

We’re sure you already know this, but children can pick up on the energy around them. If you’re feeling anxious about the appointment, your child might notice. To help with this, speak about the dentist in a calm and positive way. Try to use simple words like “the dentist helps keep our teeth strong and healthy.” 

Avoid saying, “This won’t hurt,” since that can unintentionally raise concern or set them up for confusion later if they experience discomfort in years to come. Instead, let your child know the dentist will count, clean, and check their teeth. Being honest and clear can help build confidence going into the appointment.

2. Read books or watch a show about going to the dentist.

Many children’s books and cartoons feature characters going to the dentist for the first time. Reading or watching these together helps normalize the experience. Choose stories where the visit is shown as safe, friendly, and even fun.

This gives your child a way to imagine what will happen and see that other kids go through it too.

If you’re not sure where to start, give these shows or books a try:

• Daniel Goes to the Dentist
• Curious George Visits the Dentist
• Maisy Goes to the Dentist
• For older kids who want to learn about cavities: Curious George Goes To The Dentist

3. Set up a pretend dental clinic at home.

If you have a kid who loves to play pretend and dress up, this one is a great option for your family. Role-playing can ease dental anxiety in children by letting them know what to expect. Try setting up your own dental chair at home with a stuffed animal or favorite doll. Grab a nearby lamp as a pretend light, and a towel to serve as a dental bib. Use a toothbrush as your tool and count each other’s teeth out loud. Once you’ve demonstrated it, let your child be the dentist and you’ll be the patient.

There are also toy versions of dentists’ tools that you can keep around the house or bring with you to your appointment. We’d love to see your child demonstrate what they’ve learned!

This type of pretend play makes the real visit feel more familiar and brings your child into the experience even more.

4. Bring a buddy.

A comfort item can work wonders to help calm your child’s nerves. If your little one has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or item that they love to snuggle (never underestimate the power of a TV remote or kitchen utensil), bring it along! Having something familiar nearby can help them feel secure in a new environment. 

We encourage your child to hold their favorite comfort item during the exam and take time to meet the buddies they bring along. 

5. Lean into the power of positive reinforcement.

We’re big on encouragement and positivity in our office. You’ll hear “Good job!” and “You’re doing great!” many times over at our office. Before you leave, your child gets to choose something from our toy bin to take home. It’s a small token to remember their time at the dentist and a way to end every visit on a positive note.

Leading up to the appointment, you can also talk about what you’ll do once you leave. Maybe you have a special lunch date, go to the park, or pick up a new coloring book together. It’s one more way to make these visits more special and, hopefully, easier in the long run. 

6. Rehearse your deep breathing.

Another way to make a dental visit go well is to practice breathing techniques in advance. Yes, those same deep breaths you model when your child is having big feelings or feeling nervous for the first day of school. All that practice can go a long way leading up to their appointment.

Before (and during) your child’s visit, try this:

• Breathe in slowly through the nose
  
• Exhale gently through the mouth

Turn it into a game by pretending to blow bubbles or birthday candles with each breath. You can start with normal breaths and eventually work your way up to breathing in for four counts, holding for four counts, and exhaling for four counts. If you want to dive into this world of relaxation, you can learn more breathing exercises from Daniel Tiger.

This practice can be a helpful tool for calm dental office visits.

7. Choose a family dental office.

Every dental practice is a little different. And that’s good news, because every patient is a little different, too. Some practices are especially welcoming to kids and know how to handle dental anxiety in children. 

When searching for a new dental practice, look for one that feels warm and welcoming, rather than clinical. Finding a team that is understanding and gentle, and explains things in child-friendly terms, is also important. Ask fellow parent friends or check a practice’s reviews from other parents to know you’re making the right choice.

If you want to know more, check out How to Find the Right Dentist for Me.

At Chester Creek Dental, we have a dedicated kids’ play area in our waiting room so they can feel at ease right when they walk in. Our staff takes incredible care of all of our patients, especially those who may feel hesitant at first. Over time, they’ll come to know the familiar faces who are always happy to see them.

Modeling calm for your kids.

Putting these ideas into practice isn’t just about the next dental visit. It’s about setting up a foundation for a positive sentiment toward oral health. Going to the dentist can be a fun and rewarding experience — not something to dread. Positive early experiences play a big role in preventing lifelong dental anxiety.

Try out a few of these strategies before your child’s next appointment and let us know how it goes. Spend a little time talking about the dentist honestly, reading books, playing pretend, choosing a comfort item, reinforcing their progress with encouragement, choosing the right office, and focusing on deep breathing. 

As a family dental practice, we’ve seen firsthand how preparation, patience, and a supportive environment can transform the way kids feel. We take pride in making our office warm and welcoming, with little touches that help children relax and even enjoy their visits.

Compassionate dental care in Duluth, MN.

If your child struggles with dental anxiety, we’re here to help. Our team understands how important it is to listen, move at your child’s pace, and make their appointment a positive step forward.

Request an appointment or call our office today. Together, we can help your child feel safe, calm, and proud of their smile.

The information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.