A child's fear of the dentist often comes from being unfamiliar with the clinic environment, the sound of instruments, or hearing negative stories from others. Parents should avoid words like "pain" or "needle" when talking about dental visits with kids.
Help your child get used to it gradually with positive stories, cartoon videos about dental visits, or by bringing them along to observe a parent's own check-up first. Choosing a clinic with a friendly space and a team experienced with children also helps reduce anxiety.
After each successful visit, praise and encourage your child to build a positive association, making future visits easier.