If a child is afraid of the dentist, it is not recommended to scare them, threaten them, or promise them that „nothing will happen.”.
A better approach is to simply explain to them that the dentist will check their teeth and let them gradually get used to the dental office.
For anxious children, an initial orientation visit can be very helpful.
Why are children afraid of the dentist?
Fear can have many sources.
The child can:
- not knowing what's coming;
- to have had an unpleasant medical experience;
- to have heard negative stories from adults;
- to be frightened by noises or instruments;
- be sensitive to unfamiliar people and places;
- to associate the dentist with pain.
Sometimes adults unintentionally make a child's anxiety worse.
Phrases such as „it doesn’t hurt,” „you don’t need a shot,” or „if you don’t brush your teeth, we’ll take you to the dentist” can turn the dentist’s office into a place the child feels they should be afraid of.
What should you tell them before their first visit?
Keep the explanation simple.
You could say that we go to the dentist so the dentist can check to see if our teeth are healthy and clean.
There's no need to explain in detail procedures that he might not even carry out.
Avoid descriptions of:
- needles;
- blood;
- pain;
- unpleasant personal experiences;
- difficult extractions.
Children may interpret this information differently than adults.
Don't tell them, „It won't hurt at all.”
It may seem reassuring, but it introduces the idea of pain even before the visit.
Furthermore, the parent cannot predict exactly what treatment will be necessary.
A simple, neutral message is more appropriate: „The doctor will look at your teeth and explain what he’s doing.”
That way, the child isn't given a promise that might be hard to keep.
What is an orientation session?
An orientation session allows the child to enter the office without the pressure of a complicated procedure.
Depending on the child, they may:
- the doctor knows;
- see the office;
- sit in a chair;
- discover some of the instruments;
- understands what is happening in a way appropriate for their age;
- learn how a consultation is conducted.
The goal is to build trust.
SmileCity offers an orientation/introductory session for children, currently priced at 60 lei.
What should I do if my child won't open his or her mouth?
It is not helpful to turn the consultation into a confrontation.
A child's behavior depends on their age, temperament, past experiences, and the reason for the visit.
The doctor can use various methods of communication and accommodation.
One of the techniques used in pediatric dentistry is the „tell, show, then do” approach, in which the child is given an explanation of what is about to happen in terms they can understand, is shown what will happen, and only then does the procedure continue.
Depending on the child, it can also be helpful to divert their attention, offer encouragement, and reinforce positive behaviors.
Is it better for the parent to stay in the office?
There is no single rule that applies to all children.
For some children, a parent's presence provides a sense of security.
For others, communicating with their doctor may be easier when their attention isn't divided.
The decision is tailored to the child, their age, and how they react.
What mistakes should you avoid before your visit?
Using the dentist as a threat
„If you keep eating candy, I’ll take you to get your tooth pulled.” This kind of message creates exactly the association we want to avoid.
Sharing Negative Experiences
Your child doesn't need to know before the appointment just how much pain you experienced from a tooth extraction 20 years ago.
Rewards Disguised as Bribes
„If you don’t cry, I’ll buy you a toy.” The underlying message can be: „Something very bad is about to happen, and you need to be rewarded to get through it.” It’s better to offer encouragement in response to positive behaviors.
Visit only when you experience pain
If a child's first visit to the dentist involves severe pain, it automatically becomes more difficult for the child to adjust.
When should children start going to the dentist?
There's no need to wait until you develop a cavity or experience pain.
Preventive visits allow children to become familiar with the environment in a calm setting and give the dentist the opportunity to monitor the development of their teeth.
This can make future visits much easier.
Pediatric Dentist in Sector 6
At SmileCity, children can come for both introductory visits and consultations, as well as for cavity treatments, fillings, baby tooth extractions, professional teeth cleaning, and sealants.
The clinic is located at 158 Ghencea Boulevard, Sector 6, Bucharest, and is easily accessible from Ghencea, Drumul Taberei, and Prelungirea Ghencea.
If your little one is afraid of the dentist, you can mention this when you make the appointment so that the first visit can be tailored to his or her needs.
How do you choose the right time of day for your appointment?
For young children, the time of the appointment can greatly affect their cooperation. A visit when the child is well-rested and has eaten properly is usually easier than one at the end of a long day, when the child is tired or irritable. For many children, morning appointments work best. However, parents know their child’s routine best and can choose a time when the child is typically calmer.
What can a parent do during the consultation?
The most helpful role is to convey a sense of calm and let the doctor lead the interaction. If several people are offering explanations, asking questions, and giving instructions all at once, the child may feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s enough for a parent to simply be present and calmly reassure the child that it’s okay to cooperate. If the doctor recommends a specific communication approach, consistency between the adult and the medical team is helpful.
What if the first session doesn't go perfectly?
A difficult visit doesn’t mean a child „can’t be treated by a dentist.” Sometimes the first appointment is meant to assess the level of anxiety and help the child become familiar with the environment. If it’s not an emergency, treatment can be broken down into smaller steps. The long-term goal is for the child to be able to return without increasing fear, not to complete as many procedures as possible in a single day at any cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child cries at the dentist?
Crying does not automatically mean the visit was a failure. The doctor adapts the interaction based on the child's age and reactions.
Is it a good idea to show him some videos about the dentist beforehand?
Positive, age-appropriate materials can be helpful. Avoid videos that depict medical procedures in a way that might frighten your child.
Should the child be made to sit in a chair?
The approach depends on the situation and the urgency of treatment. For routine visits, building cooperation gradually is very important.
What is the „tell-show-do” technique?
The doctor explains what is going to happen in a way the child can understand, demonstrates it in a simple way, and then performs the procedure.
How much does the initial consultation cost at SmileCity?
According to the current public list, the orientation/introductory session costs 60 lei. The fee should be verified at the time of scheduling.