You can help by watching how you behave as you take her to the dentist. If you are fearful or emphasize pain, she will no doubt pick up that attitude. It is one of the biggest threats your young child will meet, because she can drown in only a few inches of water. At around three years of age, it is a very good idea to teach your child to swim, so she will feel more comfortable in and around water. Remember that small bodies of water are dangerous, too.
Children drown in fishponds, ditches, fountains, rain barrels, watering cans and buckets.
Children who are swimming or playing around any pool, even a shallow wading pool, should be watched by an adult. If you or your neighbors have a swimming pool, it should be completely surrounded with a tall fence and a self-locking gate. Keep the gate closed and locked at all times, and make sure your child cannot open the lock or climb the fence. If the pool has a cover, remove it completely before swimming, and never allow your child to walk on the pool cover. Keep a safety ring with a rope beside the pool at all times.