It’s not an uncommon scenario: Your child is refusing to get in the car and go to the dentist because they’re scared. Dental anxiety is a real thing, and dentists throughout the country are continually looking for ways to lessen fears and provide a safe and fun environment. But sometimes, additional resources are necessary to help kids achieve a better understanding at their level. A children’s dentist in Hinsdale shares how books can be a compelling method for you to use when encouraging your little one to be less afraid at their next visit.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Millions of children and adults suffer from dental anxiety. It is one of the top reasons people avoid the dentist’s office in the first place. They’re often so afraid that they’ll put off necessary treatment, ultimately resulting in more timely and costly care in the future. Whether caused by a fear of needles, a past dental experience, a sensitive gag reflex, or even the inability to sit still for long periods of time, the fear and uncertainty that can fill a child make it much more difficult for a parent like yourself to manage a simple checkup and cleaning.
Fortunately, there are ways to lessen their anxiety and encourage them to be brave at their next dental appointment.
How Books Can Be a Helpful Resource
While there are children who have no interest in reading, most enjoy the colorful pages and drawings as well as the insightful stories. If your child is suffering from dental anxiety but enjoys reading books, you might find the following options to be a welcomed addition to their library, as all are designed to help little smiles get excited about going to the dentist’s office.
- “The Crocodile and the Dentist” by Taro Gomi details how the crocodile overcomes his fears of seeing the dentist while the dentist must do the same in caring for a crocodile!
- “The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums” by Edward Miller shares what your child might experience when visiting the dentist as well as how important it is that they take proper care of their teeth and gums at home.
- “ABC Dentist” by Harriet Ziefert helps your child move through the alphabet with each letter representing a different dental term. It even includes a brief FAQ section to help answer your little one’s questions.
- “Curious George Visits the Dentist” by Margret & H.A. Rey details George’s experience with his first loose tooth and why there’s no reason for him to be scared during his appointment. You will also find a sheet of stickers you can give your child each time they brush correctly and/or visit the dentist.
- “Sugar Bugs” by Sam and Erica Weisz tells the story about a boy named Robby who eats too much candy and ends up having a sugar bug family settling in his mouth only to have his dentist help him.
These are just a few of the countless books available that are designed to help your child overcome their dental anxiety. If you would like additional recommendations, don’t be afraid to ask the dental team during your child’s next visit.
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, our team of trusted pediatric dentists makes it possible for little ones to achieve healthier smiles. Offering a fun and exciting environment filled with kid-friendly amenities, we understand the dentist’s office can be a scary place for many young children. This is why we aim to remove negative or “fearful” verbiage as well as provide parents with tips to better prepare their children for their upcoming visit. Whether it is books, videos, or pictures, we can recommend useful resources to help change the way they view these dental appointments. Contact us at (630) 504-2223 to learn more.