Dental Anxiety
Just what is dental anxiety? Children who experience dental anxiety suffer a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can manifest as a general fear of the dentist. Sometimes the symptoms are induced by procedures, needles or tools.
What causes dental anxiety in the first place? It could be that your child had a bad experience at the dentist. There is the inert fear of pain that all humans experience, and teeth and gums are extremely sensitive. Additionally, because the dentist needs to use tools in their patients' mouths to examine their teeth, they may fear their breathing will be obstructed during the next dental appointment.
If left unchecked, dental anxiety can take root in your child, keeping them from seeking oral care in the future. Avoiding appointments and cleaning teeth will only compound the stress and fear of dental anxiety. It is best to do all you can to help your child eliminate dental anxiety early.
1) Establish positive dental habits when your child is young and model good dental hygiene at home.
2) Find a book about going to the dentist. Read it to your child to help them prepare for their next visit.
3) It’s crucial to allow your child time to process when they're going to the dentist. While it might be tempting to wait until the last minute to let your little one know about their appointment, if they don’t know, they won’t have an opportunity to confront their dental anxiety. Give your kid a chance to ask questions, process their emotions and help them understand what to expect out of their appointment.
4) Allow your child to bring their favourite toy to the dentist to provide additional comfort throughout the examination.
5) Doing mindfulness techniques helps calm your central nervous system and even your heartbeats when you're feeling panicky. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends teaching your child techniques like counting breaths or the body scan. As you sit with your child during the examination, you can prompt them to remain mindful and focus on their breaths.
6) Before the examination begins, remind your dentist that your child has a history of dental anxiety. Reminding the dentist of your child’s fears will prompt additional care in how they go about treating your little one. The dentist will likely ask your child why they are feeling anxious. Sharing their feelings will be cathartic for your child. It will also provide insight for the dentist on how to care for your child.
7) Ask your dentist if your child can signal if they need a break during the exam. Sometimes children can feel overwhelmed with the various sensations but have no way to communicate because their mouths are open. If your child can raise their hand or wave it, this could be the perfect way to signal they need to take a quick break.
8) Consider bringing your child’s favourite book to read to them during the exam, as this could prove to be a helpful distraction.
9) If your child has difficulty hearing the noise of the drills or the tools on their teeth, try having them wear noise-cancelling headphones.
10) Think about how you speak about the dentist at home. Do you describe your phobias or talk about negative past experiences? You could be unintentionally influencing your child's dental anxiety. Instead, explain to your child how you're trying to overcome your dental fear.
11) If your child is sensitive to the bright lights of the examination room, which prompts further anxiety, bring a pair of sunglasses for them to wear.
12) Roleplay a dental visit to manage your child's anxiety. You can pretend to play with your child to help them get to the source of what they fear during the dental visit. Make the dental visit look as accurate as possible, so children know what to expect.
13) After your child visits the dentist, reward that positive behaviour with some quality time together. Or something else you know your child will like–a new game or toy for example.
14) Even though it may be convenient, try not to take your child to your dental appointments. The sterile environment of an adult dental office might make a child uneasy. Plus, you’ll be unable to comfort your child if they get frightened during your examination.
15) If you find that your child is still struggling with dental anxiety, it could be they’re not with the correct provider. Consider a referral to a paediatric dentist. Paediatric dentists treat children to the age of 18 and can help children who face dental anxiety.
Beat Dental Anxiety Today
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