From the time we are children we hate the dentist. Well hate is probably too strong a word: it is more that we strongly dislike the dentist and the reason for that is mostly because we are scared of the strange looking man who always wears a face mask and makes our mouths sore. For children this is something that seems to happen naturally, that a fear of the dentist is natural and normal in children.
But what happens if this fear continues into adulthood? Really the fear of the dentist that is created during childhood is not natural at all. It is a behaviour that is learned from other children and of course, none of us like pain in any form.
But the days of scary dentists who seem more like Dr Frankenstein than a lovely dentist are long over. Dentists' surgeries are now open and light and often very child and adult friendly.
So, gone are the irrational fears of the dentist! It is time to have your teeth taken care of in a professional and welcoming environment. And if your children aren't afraid then you know that you have no reason to be.
And even if they are, you'll just have to be brave for them. And buy them a treat afterwards, as long as it is a healthy treat!
