Helpful Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety in Kids

Dental anxiety is a common concern for children and adults alike. Many patients experience some level of anxiety when going to the dentist. In fact, some adults avoid the dentist for years due to dental anxiety.

Tips For Managing Dental Anxiety In Kids

Start your child's dental checkups when they're young.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child has their first dental checkup by the time they are one year old. That's because early checkups allow dental professionals to identify potential issues before they become painful and more difficult to treat.

In addition, starting dental visits early also helps children become familiar with dentists and the dental office setting, which can help reduce anxiety and fear as the visit becomes more familiar. Why is this important? Because when kids are comfortable visiting their pediatric dentist, they are more likely to receive care on a regular basis which prevents common oral conditions from developing into more serious health issues and/or conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart disease and diabetes.

Take a comforting item to the dentist's appointment

If your child is anxious about their first dental visit, it's a good idea to bring a comforting item with you. This could be a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or even a special book they like to read. If your child isn't ready for the idea of visiting a dentist, this will be a great way to help them feel more comfortable with the idea. It can also help soothe them if they become nervous during their appointment. Talk with your pediatric dentist about the best toys to bring with them to their first appointment. Then, bring these toys to the appointment itself. This way, it will help them feel more at ease while they're in the dental office. If your children are afraid of the noises associated with going to the dentist, ask them to bring along their favorite CD or MP3 player to listen to while they wait.

Read stories or play games involving dentist visits

Reading stories about going to the dentist is a great way to prepare your child for their first visit. If your child is nervous about their appointment, try reading stories and playing games with them that revolve around visiting the dentist. This will help them to see that a dentist can be a fun experience that's not necessarily painful. We recommend "First Trip to the Dentist" by Mercer Mayer and "Dental Flossing Fun" by Jill Eisenberg Sasso as great books to read with your children. You can also play pretend games with your child to teach them about proper teeth-cleaning techniques. Pretend that they are brushing their teeth with a toothbrush while you brush yours. You can even use a mirror so that they can see what you're doing as you teach them proper brushing skills.

Sharing your own positive experiences with the dentist can also be a great way to encourage your kids to be excited about their upcoming appointments. Let them know about the times that you were scared to go to the dentist and how you overcame those fears so that you can help them to do the same. This type of preparation can help to eliminate any anxiety that your child may have and help them to look forward to their first visit to the dentist. It can also allow you the opportunity to discuss what will happen during their appointment in order to help ease their fears.

Teach kids the importance of great oral health

Start Early! It's best to begin regular dental visits as soon as your child's first teeth arrive. Pediatric dentists know how to communicate with small children in a way that makes them comfortable. Plus, it's a great way to make sure they're developing good oral hygiene habits from the beginning. That way, they'll have an easier time taking care of their mouths as they get older. Your pediatric dentist can work with you to develop the right oral hygiene routine for your child to ensure his or her mouth stays cavity-free and that their gums stay healthy and strong.

Experience exceptional dental care at Parklane Family Dental, with locations in Creekmore Park (3200 Rogers Avenue, Suite 111, Phone: 479-782-0080), Central Mall (5111 Rogers Avenue, Suite 207, Phone: 479-484-0777), Springdale (617 E Emma, Phone: 479-379-6300), and Rogers (5204 W Village Parkway, #17, Phone: 479-273-0004). Our dedicated team is ready to provide top-quality services tailored to your needs. Call the location nearest you today to schedule your appointment!