“Say that again??” This is a rare statement.Usually I get things like “I am very afraid of coming to the dentist” or the downright ,straight-in-the-face “I don’t like dentists!”.

I do have a few patients who actually tell me that they like coming for dental checkups and regular scaling.These are the ones who really care for their teeth and I must say that they have excellent oral hygiene.I make it a point to commend them for doing a good job in brushing and flossing.This brings much satisfaction for me as an oral health giver.

This patient of mine who said that she enjoys her dental visits,told me that she likens it to going for a facial treatment,where she relaxes while her teeth(or face) is being cleaned by someone she trusts,who will ensure that she has good oral health.Hmm..sounds very logical.

Actually,I have also noticed that my the majority of my children patients are less fearful compared to the adults.This,I realise,is the result of their parents,after having gone through horrendous experiences at the dentist when they were younger and do not want their children to go throught the same,very diligently bringing their children for regular dental check ups.And usually,the parents look a lot more stressed than their children even though it’s their child and not them on the dental chair!

The conclusion is,bad experiences in the dental clinic(or in any other situation,for that matter) during childhood, leave a tremendous effect on an individual.Conversely,good experiences will bring pleasant memories and will positively impact an individual in similar future experiences.

So,do bring your children to the dentist when they are young and impressionable,even when they do not have any potential problems and ensure that they have a pleasant visit,especially the first one.