It’s perfectly normal for us to have some fears and anxieties – especially kids. Some fears may stem from big changes like being away from their parents, moving to a new area or switching to a new school, while others are over things like going to the dentist. This is a fear that thankfully most children will grow out of, but it can be tricky to help them deal with it when they’re young.
Almost 20% of kids are scared of going to the dentist. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that makes things difficult for parents and technicians who are trying to help the child. Even worse, it can affect their teeth and dental health when it stops them from receiving proper care.
So, if your child is suffering from dental anxiety, what’s the best thing you can do to help her out?
Prepare Your Child for a Dental Checkup:
If your child has a dental visit coming up, prepare them and let them know in advance. Children need some predictability in their lives – especially when they need to adjust to difficult situations – and waiting until the last moment to tell them that they’re going to the dentist can just make anxiety worse. Give them as much time as you can and use that time to help them with their dental phobia. The more calm and relaxed you are about it, the better they’ll be. You could even book your check-ups at the same time so that they can see mum isn’t scared.
Find a Dentist Who’s Used to Working With Anxious Kids:
The worst thing for your child is a dentist who isn’t used to working with anxious kids and doesn’t really know how to respond in these situations. If you feel that your child needs a new dentist to help them through their fears, it’s worth looking for dental services in Queensland, Australia that specialise in working with children and families. A dentist who takes it in their stride, is soothing and calming for your child and engages them in conversation during the visit can make it all so much easier for your little one to deal with.
Use Positive Reinforcement:
Praise and compliments tend to work well as effective reinforcements for kids who need a little boost. When your child is at the dentist, don’t hold back on telling them how great they are doing and how proud you are of them for not giving in to their fears and letting the dentist have a look at their teeth. Get the dentist to join you; it’ll help your child build trust and boost their self-confidence, too.
If Nothing Works:
If nothing seems to be working, speak to your dentist about your options. Some children benefit from using laughing gas while at the dentist; it’s a safe method of conscious sedation that will help to keep your calm child during a dental procedure.
Having a fear of the dentist is fairly common for both children and adults. If your child is scared of going to the dentist, following these steps now will help her overcome her fears and keep up good dental health routines in the future.
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