My Child Is Scared of the Dentist—What Can I Do?
My Child Is Scared of the Dentist—What Can I Do?
If the phrase “time for the dentist” sends your child into panic mode (and your stress levels skyrocketing), you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is incredibly common in kids—and totally normal. The good news? With the right approach, you can help your child feel safe, empowered, and even excited about visiting the dentist.
At Petaluma Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in gentle, kid-centered care designed to meet children where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and with lots of compassion.
Why Are Kids Scared of the Dentist?
There are many reasons children feel nervous about the dentist, including:
Fear of the unknown or unfamiliar environments
Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or new sensations
Past negative experiences (even at non-dental appointments)
Stories or media that portray dentists as scary
Separation anxiety in younger children
Understanding the root of your child’s fear is the first step toward helping them overcome it.
Tips to Ease Dental Anxiety at Any Age
1. Start Early (and Keep It Positive)
Bringing your child in early—around age 1—builds familiarity before any “big” procedures are needed. These early visits are more like smile playdates than scary appointments.
👉 Not sure when to start? Read: “When Should My Child See the Dentist for the First Time?”
2. Use Kid-Friendly Language
Avoid words like shot, pain, or drill. Instead, try phrases like:
“The dentist is going to count your teeth.”
“We’re going to make your smile extra shiny.”
“Let’s go meet the tooth helpers!”
We’ll also use our own gentle, non-scary explanations during the visit.
3. Read Books or Watch Videos About Dental Visits
There are plenty of age-appropriate stories and shows that turn dental visits into fun adventures. A few favorites:
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Peppa Pig: The Dentist
Daniel Tiger Goes to the Dentist
4. Bring a Comfort Item
A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy can provide familiarity and calm in a new space. We’re happy to include it in the fun during the visit.
5. Be a Calm, Confident Role Model
Children take emotional cues from their parents. If you’re calm and upbeat, they’re more likely to be as well. Avoid saying things like “It won’t hurt”—that can actually introduce fear they weren’t thinking about.
6. Choose a Pediatric Dentist Who Gets It
At Petaluma Pediatric Dentistry, we’re pros at working with anxious kiddos. From our child-sized tools to our gentle explanations and patient-first approach, we’ve designed our entire experience around making kids feel safe.
Whether it takes one visit or several, we meet your child with patience, kindness, and zero pressure.
what if the fear doesn’t go away?
Some children need a little extra time and support. That’s okay! We can:
Schedule shorter, low-pressure visits just to say hello
Use distraction tools like TVs, sunglasses, or storytelling
Offer behavior guidance techniques tailored to your child’s temperament
Partner with you to create a plan that works for your family
Together, we can help your child build trust in their own time.
🦷 Need a dental home that truly gets kids?
Every Smile Deserves to Feel Safe
Dental visits don’t have to be scary. With the right team, a little prep, and lots of heart, your child can go from fearful to fearless—one small step at a time.
We’re here to support both your child and you through every stage of their dental journey.
Ready to Connect?