Dentophobia is the technical term used to describe all dental fears.

While a visit to the dentist is nothing more than a routine check-up for most adults, it can be a dreadful experience amongst kids. Whether it’s your child’s first trip to the dentist or tenth, they might have feelings of fear or anxiousness. The thought of lying on a chair in a room with metal objects, bright lights hovering over their heads, strange smells, and an unfamiliar person putting objects in their mouth might creep out a lot of young kids. 

Most pediatric dental professionals try to provide a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for their little patients. These include rooms filled with bright colors, large objects, games, and kid-friendly staff with happy attitudes to ease your kid’s fear and anxiety. A parent’s responsibility is to prepare their child for the visit.

Dental fear doesn’t have to overshadow the experience—and with the proper knowledge, you can help your kids overcome their fear! Here are eight tips to help overcome your little one’s dental anxiety and fear:

1. Start Stressing The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene at an Early Age

Explain to your kids the importance of oral hygiene at a very early age. How crucial it is in keeping their teeth clean and healthy and make them aware that poor oral hygiene can lead to serious dental issues if not now, later on as they grow older, without scaring them. These practices will make children more familiar with what to expect at the dentist.

2. Start Early

The sooner they start to familiarize themselves with the dental environment, it will lessen the fear of dental visits. They will be able to see how what they practice at home translates to their health. Starting early is a great way to build a relationship with a pediatric dentist in your area. Having a consistent relationship with general doctors helps dispel any anxieties or fears because they will become very familiar with those doctors over the years. Therefore it is vitally important to introduce your kid to the dentist as soon as their primary tooth is visible.

3. Schedule a Pre-Appointment Visit

Introduce your kids to their pediatric dentist by scheduling a pre-appointment. This will allow your child to get to know their dentist ahead of their actual visit. Doctors normally discuss any concerns parents are having about their child, and even go over the process of cleanings, show them the tools, etc. Doctors are also able to directly address any of the child’s concerns.

4. Don’t over-explain

Do your best to keep things simple. It’s totally understandable wanting to forewarn your child about their dental experience, however, the details could cause some discomfort and anxiety. Overexplaining can lead to a feeling of overwhelm, fear, and anxiety. They may also have questions probably only a dentist can answer. Specific terminology and aspects may sound intimidating when your kid hasn’t experienced it for themselves. 

5. Use positive language 

Talking positively about your dental experience, although it may not have been perfect, your child will be listening to how you describe your experience. Being honest about your feelings and showing that you can overcome them, will set the right example for your child. How you and your child perceive their experiences may differ significantly. Remember, experience is a matter of perception to each individual.

6. Be a Good Role Model

Also, be a good role model as children mimic their parents and will learn good habits by watching them. If you want to see your children pick your healthy habits:

• Start brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
• Take your kids with you to your dental visits. Let them analyze the room and encourage them to ask questions to your dentist.
• Stay calm and sneak in a smile at them while you are in the dentist’s chair.   

7. Play Pretend

Sometimes the best way to overcome fear is to ‘role play.’ For example, if you played Dentist with your kids. You will be the dentist and examine your kid’s teeth to help them get an idea of what the procedure is like at the Dental office. There are many dental playsets in the market today; go ahead and get a set and always reward your kid after the play check-up. 

8. Bring Their Favorite Toy & Distract the Kids 

Always remember to take your kid’s comfort items cause not all dental visits are going to go as planned. There is a possibility that they will walk into the examination room kicking and screaming. In most cases, you will walk in with your kids, but it’s always good to ask if you can go in with them and will give them confidence that their parents are with them. Try to make jokes or offer them comfort items and keep talking to them throughout their check. And if, for some reason, you aren’t allowed to go in with them, then offer them their favorite comfort items. 

Conclusion

It’s the parent’s responsibility to make sure that their children have regular visits to the Dentist. If parents follow these easy tips, they will be able to factor out the fear of Dental visits. We at Children’s Dentistry of Arlington take pride in providing a safe, comfortable and fun environment for our little patients.