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Dental anxiety in kids is common. Children begin to get nervous when they see unfamiliar surroundings, the sound of the dental drill, or smell the dental disinfectant. They may also fear the pain, anxiety, or anesthesia. As a parent, you can help them overcome their dental anxiety by helping them understand the dentist’s office better.

Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety in Kids

When children experience anxiety over visiting their pediatric dentist, they are more likely to have problems developing good oral hygiene habits. The fear of seeing a dentist doesn’t have to be a lifelong problem. With the right techniques, you can help your child manage their anxiety and teach them that the dental office is a safe, friendly place.

Here are a few tips to help calm your child’s fears:

• Make sure you’re taking your children to the pediatric dentist when they’re young. Studies have shown that the earlier a child sees their dentist, the better.
• Practice at home! Turn the brushing activity into a fun game by singing a song and dancing around together while you brush. Make up funny names for different parts of the mouth to help your child remember where they are supposed to clean.
• Talk about what to expect at the dentist’s office with your child before their first visit. This will help them develop realistic expectations of what will happen during their appointment.
• Take something your child enjoys with them to their appointment. Some dentists even allow parents to sit with their children in the examination room to help them feel more at ease. You can also bring their favorite toy or book to read to them while they wait to be seen.
• One of the best ways to calm your child down is to bring a special comfort item to their appointment. The item can be anything you choose, as long as it soothes them when they are nervous and makes them feel better about the situation. Some examples can include a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, soft toy, a snack to eat, or anything else that they enjoy.
• Be open and honest about your own experiences with the dentist. If you’ve had a negative experience at the dentist, don’t downplay your child’s feelings in an effort to comfort them. Instead, talk about your own fears and experiences so they see that their feelings are normal and understandable.
• Encourage healthy oral habits at home and encourage your kids to take care of their teeth on their own. This will make them feel more in control of how their own smiles look and will make trips to the dentist less intimidating.
• As always, education is key when it comes to teaching children the importance of great oral health. Help them out by leading by example, making sure you brush and floss your teeth twice a day as well. If you’re having trouble getting your kids interested in taking care of their oral health, start by reading books about dental care to them. You can even use educational apps on your phone to encourage them to take care of their mouths and learn about why it’s important. 

These tips can help you and your child prepare for their next visit to the dental office and ensure that everything goes smoothly! To learn more about our dental services, visit Kirby Smiles at 3695 Kirby Dr. Suite 129, Pearland 77584, or call 281-941-5488.