Are you the parent of a child who is fearful about going to the dentist? If so, you are not alone. The National Library of Medicine says that 9% of kids across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, are afflicted with a condition called dental anxiety. Kids facing this fear may exhibit extreme reactions when faced with going to the dentist. As such, it can make time in the dental chair not only challenging but potentially impossible. 

Thankfully, there are some helpful tips that parents can employ to make their child’s dental appointment just a bit easier. Read on to see what you can do to make that experience better for you, your child, and the dentist, too.

What is dental anxiety in kids?

So, just what is dental anxiety in kids? It can be a fear of visiting the dentist’s office or can be more specific to a various procedure. Many kids (and adults too) don’t like needles or drills and become anxious that those mechanisms may be part of the procedure. When this happens, even the idea of taking a trip to the dentist and opening their mouth for inspection can be too difficult to handle. 

Yet, visiting the dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning is a necessity to protect your child’s oral health. Foregoing those visits to your dentist in Omaha, Nebraska, can mean a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and overall health issues stemming from a lack of dental care. Thankfully, we’ve helped plenty of parents and kids overcome their fear of the dentist. And we’re confident we can help you and your child, too.

5 tips for easing kids’ dental anxiety.

If your child is in need of dental care for a toothache, or it’s time for their next dental appointment, we can help make the entire experience easier for you. Check out these tips. We encourage you to give them a try. 

1. Start early with positive dental experiences. 

Children often get anxious about things that they are not familiar with—such as a trip to the dentist. And, the American Dental Association recommends that you bring your child to the dentist for the first time around their first birthday or whenever that first tooth pops through the gumline, whichever occurs first. So, if you are a new parent reading this article, we encourage you to plan for that first visit sooner rather than later.

However, we know that sometimes getting to the dentist can be challenging. And for many kids, they might not have their first visit until they are in preschool, sometimes later. If that’s the case, spend some time talking to your child about what to expect during their first dental visit. We encourage honesty and transparency, helping your child to be in the know. After all, knowledge is power.

2. Use child-friendly language and explanations.

As we said above, being open and honest with your child about what to expect is a must. When kids are in the know, they feel empowered and more in control of the situation. In addition to that, we recommend that you use words and phrases that your child will understand. 

Instead of using difficult terms, such as tooth decay or gum disease, talk about the cavity monster or a healthy smile. This is also a great opportunity to introduce your child to the idea of the tooth fairy. Giving them something to look forward to when they lose their first tooth can make the whole situation less intimidating.

3. Offer comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket.

Admit it—you probably still have your childhood teddy bear or favorite “blankie” somewhere close by in your home. We know the truth. And there’s no need to hide it. Comfort items such as a favorite stuffy, blanket, or favorite toy can make us feel better when we are sick, worried, or otherwise upset. 

So embrace that concept for your child. Have them choose a comfort item to bring to the dental visit. Whatever it is that they choose to bring, we can’t wait to hear all about it.

4. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization.

Have you ever taken a deep breath before doing something you weren’t super excited about? That deep breath probably helped you relax and gain some focus. That same concept applies to your child. If they are feeling nervous about going to the dentist, or anything for that matter, take some time to teach them a few deep breathing exercises.

Need some help? Check out this video from the Mindfulness Teacher about belly breathing for kids. We think this approach is a great way to help them relax. You might even get some benefit from it, too.

5. Reward and encourage your child’s brave behavior during dental visits.

Now that the appointment is over, be sure to reward your child for their good behavior. Consider taking them to lunch at their favorite restaurant, or maybe let them pick out a special treat at the local convenience store. And remember, rewarding your child with words might be sufficient. After all, kids need positive affirmations, especially when they have done something admirable.

The Tooth Doc can make your child’s dental visit a bit easier with sedation dentistry. 

In some instances, a child simply can’t relax enough to allow the dentist to perform a satisfactory evaluation of their mouth. And, if your child does have a cavity and requires a filling, that experience can be a bit overwhelming. For these extreme circumstances, The Tooth Doc, your dentist in West Omaha, can help by using sedation dentistry. 

When scheduling your child’s dental appointment, be sure to inquire about sedation dentistry and how we help kids with dental anxiety. We’re here to make your child’s visit a bit easier, every step of the way.