There are children out there with a deep-rooted phobia of dental visits. Tell them that a checkup is forthcoming, and they are guaranteed to rattle off a litany of feeble excuses about as convincing as the tried-and-tested incomplete homework explanations. Once they have realized that their fates are sealed and the dental chair awaits, the clammy hands, racing pulse, and anxiety ensue. What are parents and care givers to do? In this post we will explore why children are afraid of going to the dentist and how you can help your child feel comfortable. 

Why are children afraid of the dentist?

An Unfortunate Previous Experience 

A child might be terrified of the dentist because of an unpleasant past experience that is now embedded in their memory. For example, if a child's first exposure to the dental office was a painful cavity treatment caused by a sugar-loving sweet tooth, then it is understandable that they would feel hesitant when a return trip was suggested. Parents can use this experience as a motivational force for better brushing and flossing tendencies, reinforcing the concept that good oral care can help them avoid any future discomfort. 

Parental Influence 

Unfortunately, parents can be largely responsible for a child's dental anxiety when they speak or act in a manner that communicates nervous energy down to them. They might say something that worries the child, such as the uncomfortable nature of a procedure, or demonstrate their own apprehensions about a dental appointment through body language. Children can be very perceptive, so mom and dad are advised to put on a brave face while also not letting any vocal blunders slip, as they will instill a sense of panic within kids. 

Pop Culture References 



Too many pop culture sources, like television, film, and comic books, present dentists as terrifying inflictors of pain. A dentist might be portrayed as pure evil in a cartoon, utilizing long syringes and drills on a child strapped to the dental chair, or a humorous source of agony for a visiting patient in a movie or television series. With all of these pop culture references shining an unrealistic, exaggerated light on dental professionals, children who come across these representations are likely to bemoan a potential dental appointment. 

How to Prepare Nervous Children for a Dentist Appointment

Speak Positively Of The Dentist 

Have a basic conversation with your child about the dentist and answer all questions in a fashion that boosts their confidence. Inform them why they are going to the dentist and what the dentist does, but it's important that you create a friendly, helpful image rather than providing details of how they operate. Simplify the process instead of overcomplicating matters. Also, remind your child that you will be by their side for the duration of the appointment and show them pictures of the office to better prepare them. Or you can bring your child to the dental office prior to the appointment in order to familiarize them with the new surroundings. 



Role Play At Home 

Pretending to have a dental appointment at home can be beneficial, too, since your child can practice and prepare for the checkup. A parent can act as the dentist, sitting their child down in a chair, demonstrating how their teeth will be evaluated with a mirror, and implementing some utensils that can serve as prop dental tools. Throughout this process, maintain a positive environment and compliment your child on how healthy their teeth look. Avoid integrating the whir of a dentist's drill, the jarring suction from a tool, or any other frightening sound into your acting performance. 

Let Them Tag Along For Your Appointment 

Parents are role models for their children and when they witness you overcome a challenge, which the dentist is in their minds, then it's easier for them to do the same. Bring your child to one of your upcoming routine checkups and allow them to see firsthand precisely what the dentist does with a patient. Unless you have your own daunting anxiety to deal with or have a root canal procedure scheduled (they don't need to see your pain threshold), this strategy will give your child an opportunity to realize how friendly the staff are and that there is absolutely nothing to be concerned about. 

Inform Your Dental Team 

Of course, you will need to also speak with your dental team and get them on board with the overall plan. Not only will they benefit from understanding your child's anxiety, having been trained in handling a variety of patients, they can offer you advice and instructions for successful preparation. During the appointment, the dentist will speak in a friendly, gentle tone that calms the child and use simple words to explain procedures. Certain dentists also rely on a doll or another person to demonstrate a procedure first, easing the tension. Also, the dentist can engage the child in conversation or provide them with a mental task (counting numbers or revealing their favorite snacks), distracting them from the actual treatment and creating a relaxing atmosphere. Finally, the dental team integrate positive reinforcement, whether that is through compliments or praise for the child's courage and great behavior. Behavioral guidance from the dentist develops trust and alleviates the child's anxiety, leading to a naturally nurtured relationship between the patient and dentist. 

Tips To Create A Fear-Free Future 

Communication, particularly in advance of the dental appointment, is the most crucial step that parents can undertake with their children. Predictability and routine better prepare children for unfamiliar scenarios, making the adjustments easier to accept. Give your child as much time as possible to mentally ready themselves for a dental visit by punctually informing them of the appointment. Waiting until the last second to broach the subject will only amplify their anxiety levels. Listen to their fears and complaints, answering any questions with straightforward responses that don't go heavily into the details. You can also remind them that the dentist will be available to answer questions and be confident in knowing the explanations will be carried out in a non-threatening tone. Discuss the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, concluding with the idea that the dentist is a cordial professional who looks after their mouth. Effective communication from parents can be a contributory factor in diminishing a child's anxiety and producing a stress-free outlook on future dental appointments. 



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