The OPTISMILE Podcast 61 - Kids at the Dentist – How to Build a Fear-Free Foundation

In this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, Eon Engelbrecht sits down with Dr Clifford Yudelman to share practical strategies for building a fear-free foundation at the dentist for little ones. You’ll learn when to book that first check-up, how to turn home prep into play, in-clinic techniques that put kids at ease, the parent’s ideal role, reward ideas, anxiety prevention, sedation options—and Dr Yudelman’s top three take-home tips.






Chapters:






[00:01:40] Dr Yudelman, what is the ideal age for a child’s first dental visit?

• Professional bodies recommend by the first birthday or six months after the first tooth erupts.
• At OptiSmile Sea Point, an informal “pop-in” in the shopping centre builds familiarity.
• Early, playful visits set the stage for lifelong, fear-free dentistry.





[00:03:29] What can parents do at home to make a dental visit more fun and positive?

• Use imaginative names: mirror = “magic looking-glass,” spray = “Mr Bubbly.”
• Turn tooth counting into a game with a torch and the back of a pen.
• Role-play “smile visits” with dental storybooks to normalise the experience.





[00:05:12] What unique steps does OptiSmile take to put little ones at ease, and can they watch cartoons during appointments?

• OptiSmile skips cartoons in favour of interactive show-and-tell: handing them a mirror, snapping funny photos, and counting their teeth.
• Children hold and test the suction (“Mr Thirsty”) and feel the air-blower like a “hairdryer.”
• Every tool is given a friendly name—Mr Mirror, Magic Sponge—and kids help operate the chair foot control.





[00:09:47] Dr Yudelman, what words or phrases should parents avoid when talking about dentist visits at home?

• Avoid terms like “drill,” “needle,” “shot” or “pain”; instead say “smile check” or “teeth counting.”
• Steer clear of anxious reassurances (“it won’t hurt”), which can project fear.
• Focus on celebrating healthy smiles rather than treatments.





[00:11:55] What is the role of a parent or support person during these appointments?

• A calm hand on the shoulder provides comfort; avoid hovering or squeezing.
• If a child remains anxious, a brief separation often helps them co-operate.
• Debrief parents afterwards, emphasising what went well to reinforce confidence at home.





[00:13:10] How do you handle situations where a parent’s presence increases a child’s anxiety? Do you ever involve security?

• No security is needed—just a polite request for the parent to wait outside.
• Most children settle immediately and complete the visit happily.
• We then highlight positive moments before parents rejoin.





[00:14:00] What simple behavioural reward works best for kids after their appointment?

• A small toy or game from our reward box.
• Sticker charts for tracking repeat visits.
• A favourite-colour toothbrush or a sugar-free treat.





[00:15:11] How do early visits prevent anxiety in later years?

• Familiar sights, sounds and routines build trust over time.
• Involving older siblings in mock check-ups encourages little ones to join in.
• Consistent gentle exposure—rescheduling if needed—helps overcome initial refusal.





[00:19:16] What options exist if a child remains fearful? Is medication an option?

• OptiSmile doesn’t use nitrous oxide, but mild oral sedation (antihistamine) can help with mild anxiety.
• For extensive treatment, we refer to a specialist offering conscious sedation with an anaesthetist.
• Gradual desensitisation techniques often remove the need for sedation.





[00:21:46] What are your top three take-home tips for parents between visits?

• Role-play regularly with a spoon mirror and pen tooth-counting at home.
• Brush together using a two-minute timer or hourglass to make it fun.
• Read storybooks or watch short videos about dentist visits to reinforce positive expectations.





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Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listene...