Children’s visits to the dentist are typically a positive experience for both parents and kids alike. Still, between 9 and 15% of American adults fear going to the dentist, according to Cleveland Clinic. When parents are anxious about the dentist, that nervousness can instill fear and anxiety in their child, too.
Adults and kids may fear going to the dentist for several reasons. Cleveland Clinic explains that perhaps the adult or child had a negative experience at the dentist or has heard horror stories that exaggerate their fears. Fear of pain is the most common cause of anxiety. While some people also worry about the effectiveness or side effects of anesthesia or have a fear of needles.
A negative experience at the dentist as a child can result in continued anxiety over routine dental care into adulthood. So, learn how to prepare for your child’s first and subsequent visits to the dentist to ensure a positive, successful experience. This will help pave the road to a lifelong devotion to receiving routine dental care on a consistent basis as your child grows.
Your child and the dentist – building a positive relationship early on
The earlier your child begins going to the dentist, the better. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit should be by the time your child turns one or within 6 months of when the first tooth erupts. At this stage, your child’s visit will be quick, simple, and pain-free. Providing your child with early positive experiences will help your child develop trust in the dentist.
Depending on your child’s age and the dental office policies, many dentists will ask you to remain in the lobby during your child’s checkup. Typically, this is recommended for children over the age of 3. There’s a good reason for this. Separating a child from parents usually results in fuller cooperation from children. This can go a long way toward a more positive experience for your child.
When your child is placed in the care of the dental staff, they’ll try to make your child’s first experience fun and informative. The dentist will explain and demonstrate routine procedures to your child and then perform those procedures. Your child quickly learns the dentist is someone to trust.
Down the road, if your child needs non-routine dental work, the dentist will work with your child in a similar fashion to help alleviate fears.
If you’re still concerned with sending your child in alone, call and ask to speak with the dentist or hygienist. Avoid causing your child alarm, and make the call in private so your child doesn’t pick up on your anxiety. Explain your specific concerns so the dentist can address and alleviate your worries.
Approaching scared or uncooperative children
For a variety of reasons, some children become fearful or uncooperative during a visit to the dentist. If your child arrives unprepared or senses your anxiety, your child may develop undue worry. A previous experience could also cause stress. Children who are ill or have a physical or mental disability, a behavioral disorder, or developmental delay may also be challenging to treat. Whatever the reason, the way your dentist handles your child’s fears and behavior is vital to your child’s emotional well being and ability to cope with future visits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has developed guidelines for behavior management that dentists should follow. Your dentist should use the communication techniques learned in dental school, including positive reinforcement, distraction, voice control, non-verbal communication, and the tell-show-do approach.
These techniques all help reassure patients and gain their trust. In most cases, these approaches are sufficient, leading to visits that end on a positive note. If a practitioner lacks the expertise for handling a situation, your child should be referred to a dentist with the appropriate skills.
Prevent an experience that heightens your child’s fears by being proactive
- Contact your state’s board of dentistry when choosing a practitioner to make sure no disciplinary actions have been taken.
- Inform your dentist of any medical, behavior, or other conditions that might affect your child’s visit. That way the dentist can communicate with the child accordingly.
- Pediatric dentists have specialized training for dealing with situations that can arise with children. If you suspect your child may have difficulty with dental visits, seek a pediatric dentist.
Six tips to get your child off on the right track
- 1. Tell your child about the benefits of going to the dentist to help keep their teeth strong and healthy and so they’ll have a nice smile.
- 2. Read to your child before their first visit to the dentist. Try one of the following: Why We Go to the Dentist by Rosalyn Clark; The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain; Celebrate! Going to the Dentist by Sophia Day; Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig) by Scholastic; Curious George Visits the Dentist by H.A. Rey
- Also, express positive feelings about your own dental experiences. Don’t discuss non-routine procedures such as fillings. Explain to your child the basic procedures your child will undergo. For example, the dentist will count your child’s teeth and look at them with a tiny mirror. Avoid frightening terminology.
- As your child grows, if you have concern over a possible cavity, don’t give your child too much information. This can result in undue anxiety. Your dentist should have the experience and expertise to talk to your child about such procedures in a manner that alleviates any anxiety your child might experience.
- If your child is anxious, don’t try to soothe your child by lying about a procedure or possible pain. Instead, try to alleviate fears that may be out of proportion to the situation.
- Finally, offer coping strategies to your child. Have your child practice taking long deep breaths. If you know you’ll be attending your child throughout the procedure (speak to your dentist first to confirm this), you can offer your hand to squeeze.
KIMBERLY BLAKER is a freelance parenting and lifestyle writer. She also writes content and blog posts for businesses. Find her at kimberlyblaker.com