Dental Checkup

Dental Checkup Time? Addressing Dental Anxiety in Kids

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.

How to address dental anxiety in kids

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.

Be positive

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.

Keep it simple

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.

Be mindful of language, words

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.

Suggest a pre-visit

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.

Avoid bribes

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.

Are the above ideas helpful?

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

Recent Posts

Sedation And 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…

Things To Know About Dental Anxiety

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…

What Causes Dental Anxiety

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…

Can CBD Oil Help My Dental Anxiety?

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…

Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Share
Published by
Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Recent Posts

Invisalign Can Correct Your Teen’s Improper Bite

The teenage years can be awkward, especially for those who have to deal with crooked…

2 days ago

Invisalign for Teens: Am I a Good Candidate?

There are various options for straightening teeth. Invisalign® for teens is a popular option for…

1 week ago

4 Tips to Improve a Teen’s Invisalign Experience

Invisalign® clear aligner trays are not just for adults; teenagers and some children can also…

1 week ago

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Whitening patients' teeth involves a simple procedure that a dentist can perform in one visit…

2 weeks ago

Can Invisalign for Teens Affect Speech?

A significant advantage of Invisalign® for teens is that it makes the treatment more discreet…

2 weeks ago

The FAQs of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can relax you as your dentist works on your gums and teeth.

2 weeks ago