Children pick up on how we feel long before they understand what we say. A calm parent usually means a calm kid.
Words that help
Swap scary words for simple ones. “Count your teeth” works better than “check for problems”. We never say “it won’t hurt”, because it plants the idea.
Before the visit
Play dentist at home with a mirror and a teddy.
Bring them along to your own check-up first.
Keep it short and finish with something fun.
And yes, the stickers really do matter.
Written by
Dr. Clara Moreau
Has straightened 2,300 smiles and zero picture frames.
