Monsters under the bed, a dark bedroom, clowns…and the dentist? Believe it or not, dentist fear and anxiety is a common problem, with almost 20% of school age children suffering from it. In many instances, these challenges can prevent children from getting the dental care they need to maintain clean, healthy, and beautiful smiles. But fear not! We have a few suggestions to make those early dental visits easier for you and your child.

What Can Parents and their Dentist Do to Help?

Parents play an important role in making their child's first dental office visit a positive experience. Here are a few tips for parents to help the dental visit go more smoothly:

Before the Visit:

• Tell your child in advance that they have a dental visit. Children need predictability in their life in order to better handle unfamiliar situations.
• Answer their questions with straightforward, simple responses. Try to limit the amount of details given and remind them they can ask the dentist questions, too.
• Communicate and educate. Talk to them about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Explain that the dentist is a friendly doctor who helps keep their mouth safe and healthy.
• Tell your dentist beforehand. Making your dentist aware of your child’s dental anxiety ahead of time will help them be prepared for the visit, too.

During the Visit:

• When you arrive, ask your dentist for advice about ways to put your child at ease. Dental professionals are trained to deal with a variety of patients and will have some tips for you!
• Have your child’s favorite toy ready. A toy can be a helpful and calming distraction for your child during the visit. When you first arrive, you can let them play while in the waiting room as they adjust to the new environment. Just ask the dentist for permission before bringing the toy into the treatment room.
• Stay calm. It can be difficult to stay calm while your child is upset but remind yourself to stay cool and collected and to speak gently to your child. A soothing demeanor from you will make them feel safer and at ease.

The Dentist's Role

Naturally, the dentist also plays a huge role in putting your child at ease in the treatment chair. A dentist who often works with children will know how to speak gently to your child to reduce their anxiety and he/she may include some of the following behavior management techniques throughout the visit:

• Engage the child in conversation. Engaging your child is an extremely helpful tool for the dentist to use to help them overcome dental anxiety. While performing a procedure, the dentist may give your child a task such as doing mental math or naming their favorite foods or toys to keep them pleasantly distracted. Dentists can also tell stories or turn the TV on if there is one in the room.
• Show them first. It might be helpful to have the dentist demonstrate the procedure on the parent or a toy doll first. Commonly known as the “tell-show-do” method, this helps children better understand what to expect during the visit.
• Use positive reinforcement. Applauding and praising your child for their bravery and good behavior during a dental visit can make a world of difference!

My Child is Still Anxious - Now What?

If your child’s anxiety continues to persist and becomes an impediment to them receiving necessary dental care, there are some additional options to consider:

Sedation

When nothing seems to be helping your child deal with their dental anxiety, there is another harmless option: sedation dentistry. Using a safe and effective sedative, like nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or an oral sedative will help keep your child calm during a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry is used for both kids and adults and is given as a controlled anti-anxiety medication. Most of the time, conscious sedation is enough to help the patient cope with the procedure.

Therapy

Sometimes, it may be necessary to seek professional help for your child’s anxiety. Different therapeutic treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy are worth trying to help your child overcome their fears so they can receive proper dental treatment to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal for children to be fearful—but if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental anxiety, call us today to make an appointment. We are more than happy to help you and your child find a stress-free way to healthy, beautiful smiles!