Does your child experience dental anxiety? If your kids tend to worry or appear to be very nervous once they understand it is time for their regular dental checkup, know that this is very normal.
While is true that many kids do not like going to the dentist, it is often because they do not completely understand what is going on. This makes it a good idea for you to be completely open and honest about what their dental visit will be like, as when children know what to expect they are less likely to experience apprehension.
The following is a list of some ideas that can allow parents to better help their kids deal with any anxiety they may be experiencing once they find out it is time for their regular dental checkup.
Keeping a positive attitude is a must. Kids are smart, which means they are going to pick up on their parent's attitudes about going to the dentist. While parents can feel free to let their kids know how they felt in this situation when they themselves were children, they need to stay positive and keep the current focus on their kids.
Do not go into details and instead keep everything simple. It is possible to give kids too much information, which can overwhelm them. Simply let them know that a dental professional needs to look into their mouth just to make sure that there are no problems. Let them know if they have any questions once they get there, that the dental professional will be more than happy to answer the questions.
Parents need to be very selective when it comes to choosing their words as they want to be sure that the language they are using is geared towards young kids. For example, when a parent tells their kid it will not hurt or that there is no reason to be scared, their kid is going to start connecting these words with dental appointments, which will only add to their anxiety.
A pre-visit to a dental office is a great idea as this allows kids to ask a dental professional any questions they may have about their upcoming dental checkup.
Instead of offering kids bribes, let them know that their reward is having a healthy mouth. Let them know that when they have a healthy mouth they get to talk and eat without having any kind of dental problems. Also, let them know that they can always feel confident in their smile when they go to the dentist on a regular basis.
As every kid is different, try to imagine which one of the above ideas is going to be most beneficial for easing your child’s anxiety. If you feel that more than one idea will work, then please feel free to use as many as necessary as it is very important for your child to feel comfortable when it is time for their dental appointment. Also be sure to keep in mind your child's age, as it is normal for young kids to fuss, whine and even throw a tantrum when they need to do something they do not want to do.
Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety
Are you looking for ways to ease your dental anxiety? If so, consider different sedation options. According to the American Dental Association, the type of procedure, your overall health, your history of allergies, and your anxiety level are all considered when determining which approach is best for your particular case. Ready to learn more about…
Dental anxiety is as real as the fear of crowds or fear of snakes. The fear, which affects approximately four percent of American adults, can be so intense that it can cause them to avoid dental visits by any means necessary. However, avoiding dental appointments is detrimental to oral health. If you find yourself postponing…
The fear of going to the dentist has long been a trope used in almost every medium of popular culture, but dental anxiety is a real problem for many people. An excessive nervousness or apprehension that builds before a dental appointment is not uncommon among many Americans. Even those who do not consider themselves to…
Looking for ideas to help you overcome your dental anxiety? Many people experience some level of anxiety and even fear when thinking about going to a dental office. Their feelings can be based on something that actually happened to them during a previous dental appointment, or it can be related to what they think will…
The teenage years can be awkward, especially for those who have to deal with crooked teeth. Invisalign® presents an alternative to traditional braces, and these clear aligners can have the same corrective impact with less discomfort both physically and socially for a self-conscious teen. The benefits of clear aligners and the ability to correct an…
There are various options for straightening teeth. Invisalign® for teens is a popular option for this age group, as it is less obvious than traditional metal braces. Invisalign consists of clear trays that fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth. This straightening method has many benefits. However, not everyone is a good candidate.…