When my family and I moved to Shanghai in 2018, our son was barely a year old. One of my biggest worries was finding doctors and healthcare that matched what we were used to back home in Manila. While I knew we’d have no trouble finding excellent quality Chinese healthcare, I was anxious about not being able to communicate effectively with our doctors.
My concerns grew when I realized that my son, Marcel, had way more energy and a much lower sense of danger than his peers, which led to a few unfortunate trips to the hospital. One memorable incident occurred when he was 3 years old—he ended up in the ER with a busted nose and lip, and he damaged his front tooth in the process.
We feel so fortunate that our friends recommended Dr. Rana at PureSmile to us. She not only monitored Marcel’s dental health closely but also made sure he felt safe during his visits. The challenge with fearless kids is that while they might leap off a high plank into deep water without hesitation, they can also develop unexpected fears. For Marcel, that fear was the dentist’s chair. Getting him to go often required negotiation or bribery!
As we prepared for Marcel’s first tooth extraction (the damaged tooth was finally being replaced by a healthy, permanent one), Dr. Rana shared some fantastic tips with us to help ease his anxiety that we found helpful. I’m excited to share these tips with you, hoping that whether it’s your little one’s first time in the chair or you’re taking an anxious older child for a routine check-up, you can turn a potentially scary experience into a more enjoyable one with a bit of preparation!
Talk About It on the Day of the Appointment
Timing is everything! Discuss the visit on the same day, so it’s fresh in their mind. Keep the conversation light and positive. Instead of saying “We’re going to the dentist,” try something like, “Today, the dentist is going to count your teeth, brush them, and take out those pesky ‘sugar bugs’! After that, your teeth will be shiny!” This kind of language not only makes the dentist sound like a superhero but also demystifies what’s about to happen.
Read Books and Watch Videos
Kids love stories, and what better way to ease their fears than with fun books and videos? Grab a few favorites like Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer, Elmo Visits the Dentist, or The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist. These resources can help normalize the experience and show that other kids have been there too. If your child is a fan of “Dora the Explorer”, there are some cute videos that can also make the trip feel more familiar. Plus, it’s a great excuse for some quality screen time!
Offer Plenty of Positive Reinforcement
It’s completely normal for kids to feel a bit anxious about the dentist, and that’s okay! Let them know that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous. Celebrate their bravery for facing their fears! Acknowledge their feelings, but also reinforce the positives. Say things like, “I’m so proud of you for being brave!” Remember, pediatric dentists are pros at handling nervous little ones. If your child cries or isn’t fully compliant, don’t sweat it! Every visit is a step toward making it easier next time.
Familiarize Them with the Dentist
A little familiarity can go a long way. Before the big day, spend some time looking at the dentist’s website together. Show them pictures of the dentist and the office, and talk about what they’ll see when they get there. For instance, “Look! This is Dr. Rana*, and she loves helping kids like you!” This helps them associate a friendly face with the visit, making the experience less intimidating.
Normalize the Experience
Kids often look to adults for cues on how to react in new situations. So, when you’re heading to your regular dental appointment, share it with your child! Say something like, “I’m going to the dentist today, just like you will soon!” This reinforces that dental visits are a normal part of life and that everyone, even grown-ups, takes care of their teeth.
Preparing your child for their first dental visit doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and a positive mindset, you can help turn what might feel like a scary experience into a fun adventure.
Remember, the goal is to create a positive association with dental visits, so they’ll feel comfortable returning in the future. Each visit is a step toward helping them understand the importance of dental hygiene and taking care of their teeth.
So don’t fret too much about that upcoming visit. You’ve got this, and before you know it, your child will be smiling brightly, showing off their shiny teeth and excited for their next appointment!
About the Author
Kate Paredes Ricard is a dynamic entrepreneur and digital marketing expert, renowned for her strategic approach to brand and business development. With a passion for innovation and community growth, she empowers businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex commercial landscape. Her family has been based in Shanghai since 2018 and she spends her time in the city discovering new neighborhood food spots and cafes.
