Dealing with Dental Anxiety in Kids: Expert Tips from Pediatric Dentists

Most children would rather avoid a visit to the dentist. This is why many children feel scared when they are in the dentist's chair, especially since most of them haven't been to the dentist before. Often, we encounter nervous smiles and sweaty hands, and sometimes patients refuse to open their mouths for their dental exams. Fortunately, children usually feel anxious about visiting the dentist, and proper methods can help alleviate or prevent this issue. If you're looking for a children's dentist in Edmonton that parents can trust, we're your choice.

Why Do Kids Get Dental Anxiety?

The primary source of dental anxiety in children is usually their fear of things they are not familiar with. It could be that your child faced problems with a doctor, or they may have heard things that made them uncomfortable from others. At times, just seeing and smelling what's new in a dental office can be enough to make people nervous. When dental anxiety is not handled, people may miss their appointments, have tooth cavities left untreated, and never feel comfortable seeing a dentist again.

How Pediatric Dentists Make a Difference

Their team of pediatric dentists and specialists in Edmonton is prepared to help your child enjoy their visits to the clinic. In a nutshell, this is the process:

1. Making the Environment Where Children Feel Safe

• The walls are colorful, the decor is playful, and there are children-sized chairs, making everything friendly.

• Games and toys in the waiting area help keep children less bored and more relaxed while they wait for their doctor.

• As soon as children enter, the staff welcomes them by name, which helps them feel special from the start.

2. Be polite and use simple terms in your teaching.

• We use words children can understand, with no complicated medical words involved.

• Dentists for kids often give them funny nicknames for the dental instruments (for instance, "Mr. Thirsty" for the suction and "tooth tickler" for the toothbrush).

3. Distraction Techniques

• Letting kids watch television, listen to music, or handle interactive toys helps them to stay distracted during the treatment process.

• Some dentists in Edmonton clinics offer kids the opportunity to play video games or explore virtual reality experiences.

• When kids are brave and cooperate, they get stickers or small prizes for encouragement.

4. Involvement and support by parents

• If required, parents may continue to accompany their children to the doctor's office.

• Practicing at home, parents may pretend to visit the dentist with their kids, tell them dentist-themed stories, or have the children check the teeth of a stuffed animal.

• A positive and calm mindset helps your kids remain the same.

Guidelines from Professionals Provide Strength to Parents

How should you prepare in advance? We have some helpful advice on the subject from their team at City Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry:

Before you set up the appointment

• Discuss visits to the dentist in terms of benefits. Don't mention pain, shots, or drills in your explanation. Think about how good your teeth will feel and stay when you practice proper dental care.

• You can read stories for children or watch TV shows about visiting the dentist to help them become accustomed to it.

• Arrange for your child's appointments when he or she has had a good night's sleep and ate well.

• Bring something that brings comfort to your child, such as a favorite toy or blanket.

• Try using slow breathing or relaxation exercises whenever your child feels anxious.

• Make sure to encourage your child for anything they manage to do, however basic it is.

When the appointment happens

• Make sure to highlight your child's courageous actions. Petting your pet or offering a small snack might encourage them to view their dental visit as something good.

• Remind your child that you noticed his or her efforts and are proud of what was accomplished.

When an Additional Helping Hand Is Required

• For some children, fear of dental visits can prevent them from seeking help. In such situations, it can be beneficial to try some other strategies.

• They can work with a therapist to learn how to handle their dental anxieties.

• In severe cases, gentle sedation may be used to help patients remain calm and safe during treatment.

• Pediatric dentists can work with psychologists or counselors when children have extreme fears.

Benefits of Visiting the Dentist Regularly

• A study has demonstrated that visiting the dentist when your child is one year old and returning regularly can reduce your child's fear of the dentist. When regular dental care is taken, kids have fewer chances of fearing dental care.

• Make visiting the dentist a regular and early habit for your child, since it can help them avoid dental stress.

What Makes City Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry Different

Their practice is committed to helping families in Edmonton ensure their children smile with health and happiness. The team of kids' dentists in Edmonton uses their skills and kindness to add some enjoyable moments to every visit. We will be there to guide your child, whether they are new to the area or have visited before.

Keep in mind that experiencing anxiety at the dentist usually improves over time. Using the right strategies, your child might look forward to trips to the dentist.