19th January 2017

How Can I Make A Trip To The Dentist Fun For Kids?

Teaching your children good dental care is one of the best things you can do for their health. Habits that you pick up as a child are likely to stick around well into adulthood. When you’re a kid, the dentist can be a scary place. Whether it’s a bad experience with a filling or just a case of being scared of “getting in trouble” with the dentist – we’ve seen it all! Unfortunately, a childhood fear of the dentist is, unfortunately, something that can last well into adulthood and make it more difficult to seek help and keep up with essential checkups. So how can we encourage kids to see a trip to the dentist as a fun thing?

Choose the right dentist

Choosing a dentist who is great with children is obviously a great first step. This will take a lot of the pressure off you, the parent, to keep your child calm or distracted. We pride ourselves on offering great family dental care, so if you have a particularly nervous child, let us know when you make the appointment and we will do everything we can to make them comfortable. We can even start their appointment in a waiting room before they even see the dentist’s chair.

Make a star chart

If your child is worried about “getting in trouble” with the dentist, making a star chart to show how well they brush their teeth is a great step to help them get over this fear. Not only will they take an active interest in brushing their teeth, but they will also have something to show off to the dentist and the nurses when they get to the dentist.

Dress up!

Costumes are a great way to fill your child with confidence. They might not be so nervous about sitting in the dentist’s chair if they feel like a superhero, so maybe you could make encourage them to wear a cape for their next appointment? Just try not to let them wear a helmet or a mask, as this might make it difficult for the dentist to see their teeth!

Calm your own nerves

Children are incredibly receptive and will quickly pick up on your own nerves about visiting the dentist. If you’re a little nervous around the dentist’s chair, try not to pass this fear on to your child. You may not even be aware that you’re doing it, so pay careful attention to your language and attitude when it comes to planning a trip to the dentist. Even indirect language like “try to be brave” can make children think that there is something to be afraid of.

Plan a reward

Everyone responds well to rewards. Offering a reward in return for good behaviour at the dentist is a tried and tested method. Try something fun like a trip to a trampoline park, or make it educational like a trip to the zoo.

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Mike White
Mike White
2024-01-29
The best experience. When you step through the door you are met by the friendliest receptionist,Which continues through the practice. If you want the best dental care and treatments across the board this is where you need to go.
Charlotte Bell
Charlotte Bell
2023-12-15
I came to dental solutions with severe anxiety of dentists and Lauren was so helpful, kind and patient with me. For the first time in years I've found a dentist who I feel comfortable with. Thank you
Gill S
Gill S
2023-10-27
I had a wisdom tooth extracted by Gavin after having toothache due to my tooth breaking. I was nervous as I had not had a tooth removed by injection before. Gavin was reassuring, explained the procedure fully and it was over quickly with no pain. All staff at the practice are caring, friendly and professional and I have been going for many years. I highly recommend Dental Solutions.
K.WEDGE
K.WEDGE
2023-09-06
Thank you to Gavin and team at Dental Solutions for the superb dental work done yesterday. As well as being highly professional and very good at what they do the place has a great atmosphere which makes going to the dentist a pleasure.
tracy grensinger
tracy grensinger
2023-07-02
Amazing experience. I felt in safe friendly professional hands with all the team . Thank you!
Zoe Manley
Zoe Manley
2023-06-30
Can’t speak highly enough of this practice and in particular Lauren. 2 years ago I walked in and was so nervous I cried just as the sight of the chair. Her and the staff have been so patient and understanding and have worked with me to overcome my phobia. This week I had a filling and was absolutely fine, my family couldn’t believe it. Reception staff are lovely and really accommodating too. So glad I found them, I don’t dread the dentist anymore.
David Partridge
David Partridge
2023-05-10
A really Five Star Dental Practice! Upon arrival I was greeted by their most friendly welcoming receptionists. it seems nothing is 'too much trouble' to them. Gavin is similarly very friendly and the surgery is kitted out with the most high-tech modern equipment. On my first visit Gavin examined my teeth and explained my options to me giving me his recommendation for treatment and reasons why. Their Co-ordinator prepared a detailed quote for my treatment and went through it in detail with me, ensuring I understood everything; she had plenty of time for me as a patient. From the outset I had complete confidence in entrusting them with my dental care and the final results are truly amazing. Gavin and Richard could not have been more professional and my treatment was made as painless as possible. Dental Solutions provide a truly outstanding service and I thank them for my new 'long lost' smile and renewed confidence, especially when dining out and talking with people. I can't recommend them too highly.
Carole Dodwell
Carole Dodwell
2023-05-08
A first class experience from start to finish. Despite being fearful of visiting the dentist, Gavin put me at ease with his gentle unhurried manner. I was surprised at how relaxed I actually felt undergoing treatment for a crown and the removal/replacement of front teeth veneers. Having felt self conscious about my front teeth for a long time, I decided to have my old veneers replaced. The results were amazing and far exceeded my expectations. What Gavin achieved was nothing short of a work of art, boosting my confidence tenfold. The practice itself is very welcoming, the customer service excellent and the staff are all very friendly and kind. I cannot recommend this dental practise highly enough.
Nick Halliwell
Nick Halliwell
2023-04-28
I recently needed some urgent treatment and after trying a couple of dentists in the area, dental solutions were the only dentist that agreed to see me, genuinely nobody else showed any interest in helping me. The receptionist I spoke to initially was super compassionate and understanding and did all she could to get me in asap. I saw Lauren for all of my appointments, and I’ve now had: a composite filling, root canal and emax crown and just yesterday had a wisdom tooth extracted. I don't know what Lauren does but I have had zero pain or discomfort with any treatments during and after. I'm extremely happy with the results of her work. She definitely knows her stuff and filled me with the utmost confidence whilst in the chair! I literally cant find any fault with any of the experiences I have had so far. They go the extra mile and do it with a smile. What more can you ask for?! Definitely my dentist for the foreseeable future! Thank you Lauren and everyone!
Pete Taberham
Pete Taberham
2023-04-07
Had my initial consultation with Lauren, truly professional and extremely friendly. She explained all my options in detail and following discussions opted for veneers and can't wait to see the end result.
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