Dental anxiety is common in children and can make dental visits challenging. Sometimes, it can lead to avoidance of the dentist altogether.
But there are ways to overcome pediatric dental anxiety. Read on for tips on how to make your child’s dental appointments less stressful.
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Fear of the dentist
Talk to your child about their fears of the dentist. Reassure them that the dentist is there to help them and that they will not get in trouble for being scared.
Let them know that it’s okay to feel scared and that they can always come to you with their fears. Thank them for being brave and for talking to you about their worries.
If your child is still scared after talking to you, look for a pediatric dentist. They will have the proper skills to help you deal with the situation.
Look for a pediatric dentist experienced in dental anxiety
When you find a pediatric dentist experienced in treating dental anxiety, your child’s experience with the dentist will be much better. The dentist will know how to handle your child’s stress and ensure they are comfortable during their appointment.
A good pediatric dentist can also answer questions about your child’s dental anxiety and how to manage it best. If you have a child who is anxious about going to the dentist, a dentist experienced in treating dental anxiety can make all the difference.
Use positive language when talking about the dentist
When discussing the dentist, it is essential to use positive language. It is helpful to say good things about going to the dentist and what they will do there.
For example, instead of saying that the dentist will “clean your teeth,” you can say that the dentist will help “make your smile shiny and bright.”
It is also vital to avoid using any words that might sound scary, such as “shot,” “drill,” or “needle.” Instead, use more neutral names like “treatment” or “procedure.”
Talk to your child about what to expect at the dentist
Talking to your child about what to expect when they go to the dentist will help them feel more comfortable and less anxious.
You can explain that the dentist will look at their teeth and gums to check that they are healthy. The dentist may also clean their teeth and talk to them about how to keep their mouth healthy.
When your child has questions, answer them honestly using words they can understand.
Use sedation dentistry if necessary
For some children, anxiety is more than just minor discomfort. It’s a serious condition that can make it very difficult to get the dental care they need.
Sedation dentistry is a way to help children who have dental anxiety relax during their appointments. There are different types of sedation, and the one your dentist uses will depend on your child’s individual needs.
Sedation dentistry is safe and effective and can help your child get dental care without feeling anxious or scared.
Wrap up
Providing appropriate dental care to your child is absolutely essential, but if they suffer from dental anxiety, it can be a problem that is hard to overcome. Hopefully, with these tips, your child can access this type of care without further complications.
