How to Manage Dental Anxiety in Children

How To Manage Dental Anxiety In Children And Keep Them Calm

Children are often afraid or anxious when they visit the dentist. You can imagine that many adults feel the same way, so it’s not surprising to see how overwhelming it is for children. When you are taking your little one to the dentist, you want to ensure you do your research and ensure it is a child friendly dentist.

Here are some tips on how to manage dental anxiety in children and make their pediatric dental appointments a positive experience.

What is dental anxiety in children?

Many people dislike going to the dental office, but they do not necessarily feel fear, anxiety or panic. Some children find the thought of a dental treatment to be a frightening experience. If these feelings are not controlled, they may experience panic attacks before a dental appointment.

Researchers found that a negative experience with a previous dental visit was associated with dental anxiety. Researchers found that children mimic their parents or siblings’ attitude towards the dentist when it comes to developing dental anxiety and fear. A bad dental experience could have a long-lasting and negative impact on you and your children.

You can be open and honest with your children

When it comes to managing dental anxiety, it’s best to be honest and open with your children. A child who understands the process and the reasons behind it will be more likely to get through it without any problems. It can help calm an anxious patient by explaining the procedure in detail and taking it slowly.

Answer your children’s questions honestly. They may feel that you are being untruthful or holding back. This could have an adverse effect on how they approach dentists in adulthood. Answer honestly and clearly while reassuring them that the situation will pass quickly and their dentist is available to assist. Remind them that everyone goes to the dental office, even their friends. This helps to make the event relatable.

Understanding the Fears of Your Child

Your child may have anxiety or fear when going to the dentist due to past negative experiences. Understanding the fear that is causing these feelings will help you to overcome them. Take a look at some of the most common fears children can have and what you can do to help them:

• Fear Of Embarrassment. Many children with obvious dental problems, like tooth decay, or deformities in their teeth, feel embarrassed about them. This fear is particularly strong in children who have been teased over the issue.
• Fear Of Needles or Injections. Even adults have this fear. It can be frightening for children to know that needles cause some pain. Professional dentists are trained to use the most painless techniques possible.
• Anesthesia Fear. Many patients feel uncomfortable about the idea of being asleep and unaware of what is happening. Some patients dislike wearing a mask. It is best to inform the patient and tell them what they can expect.
• Fear Of Pain. It’s difficult not to anticipate pain after hearing painful stories from children and adults who have had similar dental treatments. Most dental professionals strive to make young patients feel as confident and comfortable as possible.
• Panic or fear of losing control. Being trapped can make you feel helpless. Anxiety and panic can occur when you are in a dental chair while someone performs a treatment. It is important to keep everyone calm by having parents and the patient communicate during treatment.

It should be easier for you to calm your child’s anxiety once you know what triggers their fear.

How Can I Calm Down My Child Before a Dental Appointment?

Make your child as comfortable as you can. Here are some ways to calm your child down before and during their dental appointment.

• Bring whatever they find comforting (stuffed toys, blankets, fidget spinning devices, etc.).
• Use distractions to your advantage (phone, music or tablet)
• Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques are good ways to relax.
• Reward positive behavior with tangible rewards.
• Let your child know that you will be present with them throughout the entire event.

Do not delay or miss your child’s dental care.

Delaying or missing regular dental appointments, such as x-rays, teeth cleaning, and exams can result in poor oral health. It can also make your child unfamiliar with the dentist and how a visit is conducted. This will only worsen the situation if your child already has pediatric dentist anxiety. Making dental care a part of your child’s daily routine will help them feel more at ease and know what to expect.

Find the right dentist for your child

You can see that there are many factors that can cause a child to have negative feelings about the dentist. It is important to choose the right dentist who can meet your family’s specific needs. It’s important to find a Pediatric dentist that specializes in children if your child has a fear of the dentist. Ask them how they calm down nerves to make each appointment more pleasant. Here are some tips to help you select the best dental plan for your family.

You should share with your dentist any information that may help him or her to better understand your child. Tell your new dental team if they have had a stressful or traumatic experience with a previous dentist. Your child’s anxiety may be eased by a different approach or sedation. Choose a dentist that makes your child comfortable and confident. Follow these tips for making the dentist a less frightening experience for your children.

Pediatric Dental Terms

We are careful with our words to ensure that your child has a positive visit at our office. We avoid using words that could scare or worry your child. Please help us out by not using these scary words and don’t correct your child when they use our alternatives.

We do not want to FRAUD your child. Instead, we use words to create a positive and safe environment for your child. We will change our words as your child grows and develops confidence. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in building a positive attitude for your child.