It is no secret that kids often need to be dragged to the dentist. In some ways, it is not surprising, as having a dentist root around your mouth is an experience that requires adjusting to. However, without regular visits to the dentist, a child will not be equipped to maintain proper dental health throughout their life. If you are a parent or guardian wondering why kids are so afraid of the dentist, take a look at this guide that can help you understand why your child might feel uncomfortable at the dentist’s office. It may help you get them more excited about their next appointment.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits for Children
It is imperative that your child receives regular dental checkups as their teeth develop. Failing to attend these appointments can lead to significant oral health problems down the line. Such problems have the potential to impact other areas of their health in their adult life.
Why Are Kids So Afraid of the Dentist?
Fear of dentists is widespread among children and is even prevalent among some adults. It is common enough that the phenomenon has even been named—dentophobia. There are several reasons that a child might have this fear, including some of the following:
- Many people expect dental procedures to be painful.
- The dentist is an unknown adult to a child who is just beginning dental treatments.
- Many dental instruments are intimidating and odd-looking.
These are just a few examples of the factors of a dentist’s appointment that could cause your child to worry about their visit. Part of successfully curbing these fears is getting to know the specific elements of dental visits that are upsetting for your child.
How to Help Your Child Conquer Their Fears
There are several methods that one can employ to attempt to curb your child’s fear of going to the dentist. Becoming familiar with these techniques can save you stress down the line as you navigate these complex situations.
Talk it Out
Talking with your child and learning precisely what scares them about going to the dentist can help you pin down their exact fears while also serving as an emotional outlet for your child that may calm them down.
One technique that can be highly effective for many children is to roleplay with them prior to their visit. Child psychologists often employ this technique to help alleviate children’s fears regarding a number of different challenges. However, be careful when employing this technique, as it may be too distressing for your child, depending on the severity of their dentophobia.
Find a Pediatric Dentist Specialist
Pediatric dentists are specially trained to deal with children who are afraid of dental visits. Seeking out a well-regarded pediatric dentist can increase the likelihood that your child has a positive experience when they visit the dentist.
If your child has had a negative experience with a dentist in the past, then you should consider switching their dentist to a pediatric dentist. This shift could be the change they need to feel more comfortable.
Consider Sedation
In very extreme cases, you may need to consider sedating your child somehow so that they can receive the necessary dental work. A dentist will need to acquire permission from you or a legal guardian to administer sedation in these situations. Only use sedation in scenarios where your child is so ceaselessly restless and combative at the dentist’s office that it becomes impossible to perform any dental work.
Find Professional Assistance
Another strategy for calming your child down at the dentist’s office is to seek out professional help from a child counselor or psychiatrist. Consistent fear of the dentist that is resistant to treatment might be an indication that your child is suffering from anxiety disorder or something of the like.
In such cases, it would be irresponsible to continue forcing your child to return to the dentist’s office without first identifying whether there is a psychological issue at the root of your child’s fears. Failing to do so can increase the distress of your child and exacerbate their fear of the dentist, turning it into a lifetime issue.
The Best Dentist in Valley Alder
Valley Alder Dentistry is a trusted resource for pediatric dentistry in Southern California. If you want to discuss your child’s dental health with a pediatric dentist, contact our office today to begin the conversation.
