The fear of dentists is a common experience for children, and it happens for many reasons. However, positive and thoughtful strategies can help you prepare your kids and overcome dental anxiety.
Dental fear has many causes. Some children are more naturally nervous or cautious, while others may be sensitive to noise or have a history of dental or medical trauma.
As parents, you teach your children through behaviors and emotions you model, intentionally or accidentally. Studies show that more than 40% of parents pass on a negative attitude about a previous child dental visit, which may lead to fear.
Some kids find new or unfamiliar people scary. That, combined with separation from parents during appointments, may cause anxiety and emotional upset.
Younger children are often more likely to show dental anxiety or fear. In most cases, the fear is mild and goes away as the child ages. However, some kids are naturally more cautious or anxious, which may lead to extended fear.
The dentist’s office is noisy, with loud suction and water devices, vibrating and noisy scalers and drills, and the whirring of imaging machines. Children unused to these sounds or with sensory processing problems may find these especially scary.
Children who’ve had a previous painful or traumatic dental or medical experience may develop future dental fear or anxiety. In fact, 68.6% of patients with dental fear or phobia developed it because of a past bad experience.
Dental fear and anxiety are relatively normal for young children and usually go away on their own. However, a thoughtful and positive approach can help you prevent major fear or overcome existing anxiety.
Carefully select your dentist. A pediatric dentist, such as Hines Little Smiles, specializes in a child dental visit and understands the complexities of working with kids. They know how to use positive communication and distraction, and the facilities are often fun and child-friendly.
Studies show that children who have regular dental visits from an early age are less likely to develop dental anxiety or fear. For best results, start early and go often.
Take your child to the dentist when they get their first tooth, around six months old, or by their first birthday. Then, take them at least once a year or every six months to familiarize them with the dentist and the experience.
Your dentist isn’t likely to do any major work or exams on your child’s first dental visit unless it’s an emergency. The first few visits may be short checkups, which your dentist or hygienist may disguise as “counting teeth,” chair rides, or time to check out the noisy tools.
Learning through play is an excellent way to prepare your kids for new experiences. Try playing dentist at home or reading books and watching children’s shows about going to the dentist. These can help teach kids what to expect.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to keep your child conscious but calm during dental work. Sedation can help prevent or manage fear during extensive or lengthy procedures.
Our team at Hines Little Smiles are child dental experts. We love working with kids and aim to make each visit fun, exciting, and positive using child-friendly toys, educational tools, and treatments like sedation. Book an appointment and learn how we can help.
Call 614-475-5439 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
