A child’s trip to the dentist doesn't have to be stressful. With a little preparation at home and the right approach from your Jonesboro children’s dentist, these early visits can become positive experiences.
Relieving your child's dental anxiety starts with how you talk about the dentist at home, and continues with a compassionate, engaging approach from the dentist once they're in the chair. By working together, we all help lay a foundation for a lifetime of positive dental visits.
What You Can Do Before You Arrive
Alleviating fear about the dentist begins well before the appointment. At home, avoid fearful terms like "shot," "hurt," or "needle." Also, steer clear of sharing negative dental experiences of your own. After all, kids are both perceptive and inclined to draw on what they hear from their parents in their own lives. They can pick up on anxiety or reassurance, depending on what’s put out there.
In the same vein, our team never uses scary or intimidating language when a child’s in the chair. Instead, we talk positively and gently about what's happening at each point throughout the visit.
We Involve Your Child in Their Own Care
Kids love exercising their independence. This is why we involve them directly in their appointments, explaining each step as we go so they’re an active participant in the process. We also encourage parents to allow their children to tackle their dental visits on their own, while their parents wait just outside, where they generally do wonderfully. However, if we sense your child is far more at ease with you close by, we're also happy to invite you back to cheer them on.
As a father himself, Dr. Anthony Bartels is particularly adept at making kids feel comfortable and good about their smiles. And, when offering gentle guidance, he, like our entire team, is sure never to make a child feel bad about a cavity or any other concern.
We Make Dentistry Fun and Engaging
Our office is full of tools and gadgets that spark curiosity rather than fear. Riding in the dental chair or learning how the suction works turns routine steps into small moments of fun. Also, every child leaves their appointment with a small prize, giving them one more reason to feel good about their visit and look forward to the next one.
Stress-Free Children's Dentistry in Jonesboro, AR
If you're looking for a kid-friendly, patient-focused dentist in Jonesboro who knows how to address anxiety in young patients, contact Dr. Anthony Bartels and our gentle and caring team to schedule your child's next visit.