13 Jul How to Make Going to the Dentist Fun for Kids
For many kids, the news that they’ll be visiting the dentist soon can stir up feelings of fear and anxiety. That’s why Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti take extra steps to foster a welcoming, friendly, and peaceful environment that puts kids at ease. Parents can play a big role, too. Here are some quick and easy ideas to set the stage for a positive visit to the dentist.
How to Help Your Kids Get Ready for a Trip to the Dentist
- Role play is a great way to demonstrate to children what their first dentist appointment will be like. Give them a chance to play both patient and dentist. Use positive language and avoid words likely to cause fear, like “needle,” “drill,” or even “hurt.”
- Let kids know the dentist’s office is a safe place for them to be, where the dentist, hygienist, and office team are ready to help them and take good care of their teeth. Read storybooks about going to the dentist or pre-view YouTube videos that show kids what the experience is like.
- Taking the time to help your kids feel comfortable about seeing a dentist while still young is a powerful way to instill good lifetime dental care routines.
Emphasize Fun Over Fear
No matter how well you prepare them, your child may still worry about going to the dentist even for routine dental checkups. By focusing on concrete ways to make the overall experience more enjoyable, you can redirect their feelings about the visit.
- Make the whole day about your child. If you can take a half or full day off from work, you can extend the time you and your child have together. Most kids relish one-on-one time with their parents, and getting that in the middle of the day can feel like getting away with something.
- Reward your child with an activity they’ll enjoy. Whether it’s a visit to the bookstore, a nearby park, local library or playground, tying a dentist visit to something your child looks forward to can be a big motivator.
- Offer special treats while at the dentist’s office. It could be as simple as letting your child play games on your mobile phone in the waiting room, listen to music with noise-canceling headphones, or watch a movie while sitting in the dental chair.
- For younger children going to the dentist, consider making up a bag of dentist-only toys for them to play with or hold during their appointments, swapping them out as kids get older.
How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?
Typically, two visits a year—one every six months—is ideal. Your kids will get a thorough, professional cleaning and we’ll assess their dental development and check for any areas of concern. However, any time a child experiences dental pain, a chipped or broken tooth, or a mouth injury, a dentist visit should be scheduled right away.
Keeping up with regular visits also maintains a level of familiarity and comfort that makes dental visits easier for kids and their parents. Dental practices that serve families understand how hectic life can get, so we offer convenient appointment times and schedule siblings’ appointments together.
We Make Going to the Dentist Fun for Kids in Sun Lakes
When you make dental visits an experience that your child looks forward to instead of fears, you’re doing them a favor. By making dental health care a priority and setting a good example, your child will be forming new habits that last throughout their life.
At Saba & Chiappetti Dental Associates, we are committed to building supportive relationships with our youngest patients so they can have a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Our team welcomes your family and children of all ages to our comfortable dental practice with state-of-the-art equipment. Contact us to make an appointment today!
Photo by Jessica Hearn on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 07/13/2025.