As you prepare your child for their dentist appointment, it’s important to remember that parental anxiety about dental treatment care can transfer to your child.  So stay positive! In conversation, be mindful of the terms you use. Tell your child the dentist keeps teeth happy and healthy, and that we will be gentle while “counting” and “tickling” their teeth.  Our office uses many different terms:  “tooth whistle“instead of drill, “wiggle” instead of pull.  We do not talk about needles and shots: we “spray sleepy juice”.

Most children tolerate dental injection well, and usually don’t know they have gotten a shot, especially when they are calm and relaxed.