How to Calm Dental Anxiety in Children
Posted on May 4th, 2022
Dentistry for Kids in Lockport, IL and Surrounding Areas
Taking care of your teeth helps ensure a healthy, beautiful smile, which not only allows us to feel confident in our appearance, but helps us speak correctly, chew food, and prevent issues like TMJ and Bruxism.
Regular dental check-ups reduce the chances of developing cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. However, many children are afraid of the dentist, or have anxiety surrounding appointments and dental offices. The reason for this nervousness may be because of past negative experiences, or a general fear of the dentist due to lack of information. This fear can lead to avoidance of the dentist later in life.
What Causes Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can be caused by any number of things, and every patient will be affected differently by the dental office experience. Some children simply feel nervous having a stranger so close to them, while others are frightened of dental instruments like drills, needles, and the scraper tool.
Some kids find the sights and sounds of a dental office nerve-wracking, from the bright lights to the sound of other patients undergoing dental work. Whatever it is that affects your child most, the best way to address these issues is to offer answers to their questions, and provide the most relaxing environment possible for their dental care.
How to Reduce Anxiety
At Chicago KiDDS, we make sure each patient feels as comfortable as possible when they come in for an appointment, offering simple answers to their questions, encouraging them to investigate the dental instruments, and providing a safe, family-friendly environment.
The role parents play during a visit to the dentist is also important. One good way to help your child feel more comfortable is to be casual and relaxed when talking about their upcoming appointment. Help acclimate them to the sights and sounds of the office by ensuring you do not skip or miss check-ups, and remain calm even if your child is nervous upon arrival. They are far less likely to be scared if you are acting normal and relaxed.
Additionally, you can bring your child’s favorite toy or stuffed animal along for the appointment, or even give them headphones to listen to music while the dentist is examining their teeth.
You may also consider acting out the dental appointment beforehand with your child, such as by shining a flashlight in their mouth and then letting them do the same to you so they can “examine” your teeth. This can also be demonstrated on a stuffed animal to help your child get an idea of what to expect during the appointment.
Finally, educational videos can be extremely helpful in teaching your kids about the dentist, what they do, why taking care of their teeth is so important, and why no one needs to be afraid during dental visits.
Chicago KiDDS – Pediatric Dental Services Near Lockport, IL
Choosing a pediatric dentist that has extensive experience working with young children and nervous patients is important when trying to alleviate your child’s dental anxiety. Chicago KiDDS is your source for reliable, friendly dental care from dental professionals who will do their very best to always make your child feel at ease in our office. Schedule an appointment with us today when you call (708) 448-6700.
