7 Ways To Ease Your Child’s Dental Anxiety

Any new parent dreads the day they would have to bring their child to the dentist. This is especially true if the kid has dental anxiety. With the uncontrollable tantrums and the uncooperativeness of the little one, things can get stressful fast. And you can’t blame the kid; even adults can get queasy at having their teeth poked and prodded by cold stainless tools.

A dental visit is necessary for your child’s health and well-being. So, skipping this is not an option. You can help your child overcome dental anxiety with a few tips and tricks. This post will help you by listing seven ways to ease your child’s dental anxiety.

If you have prepped your little one for the much-awaited visit, going to Dentist Marangaroo can get their pearly whites shiny and healthy. Remember, making it a positive experience for them is crucial.

Here are the ways to ease their dental anxiety:

Start With A Positive Attitude

If you encountered a negative experience with a dental visit when you were a child, you might opt not to tell that story to your kid. Instead, focus on the positive side of the story. You can tell them how your parents went to treat you with ice cream afterwards.

It’s best to avoid using negative language and associating the word dentist with pain and discomfort. You may focus your story on how the dentist helped you achieve a healthy set of teeth and how since then, you never got any bad toothache because of cavities.

Role Play

Children are naturally perceptive about things. And often, their first thought of the dentist is what others told them about it, which can sometimes be unfavourable. You can role-play to demystify their idea of a dental visit and reduce their anxiety. Doing this will allow your child to understand what will happen and make the process less intimidating. If they know what to expect, they can have a sense of control over the situation.

Assume the role of the dentist and make it fun. You can buy toy dentist tools as props, introduce them to your child, and inform them what it does. When you role play, ask your child how they feel and reassure them that the dentist will not harm them. He will do the opposite.

When your child becomes familiar with the process, they’ll be more confident and calmer when you schedule your dental visit.

Let Them Bring A Comfort Item

Comfort items like a blanket, a plushie, or their favourite toy can give your child a sense of security and familiarity. These items can also serve as a coping mechanism for them, so they’ll feel more in control and better able to handle their emotions.

In addition, these comfort items can be something your child can associate with a positive experience. This way, they’ll be more likely to feel calm and relaxed on future visits.

Use Distractions

Sometimes the long wait for your turn in the dental clinic can make the visit more anxiety-inducing. To ensure the positive momentum you have built will not dissipate, create a distraction for your child to keep them occupied and relaxed. You can watch an episode of their favourite show while waiting or read a book to pass the time.

During the procedure, you can distract your child by conversing or telling them an animated story. The objective is to take their mind off the procedure and create a more positive encounter.

Talk To The Dentist

Explain your child’s fears or concerns with your dentist and ask if they could take extra steps to ease their anxiety. Most dentists would be more than happy to oblige. And to ensure you’ll get the best experience. You can book a visit with a dentist specialising in paediatric dental care. The dentist must establish a positive rapport with your child because this builds trust. This will also make them feel more comfortable and less anxious.

Consider Sedation

If your child has difficulty sitting still and the procedure won’t be accomplished, then you wouldn’t be able to address your child’s oral health. In that case, you might need to consider sedation for paediatric dental care. Some of them are:

Nitrous Oxide: This is also known as laughing gas, a safe and effective substance that can help children feel relaxed during a dental procedure.
Oral Sedation: A pill or a liquid is usually taken before the procedure to reduce anxiety.
IV Sedation: A medication administered through a vein for more complex dental procedures.

Parents must consult their child’s dentist to know which sedation suits their kid or if they can do it without sedation. Ultimately, the dentist would know the best path to take and be able to discuss in length the risks and benefits associated with sedation, so you’ll be informed.

Reward Their Bravery

A small treat will make the experience more memorable for your child. Praise them for their courage and bravery to foster excellent dental habits. This associates the occasion with something good.

It doesn’t have to be a big reward. A fun sticker, a small toy, or a trip to the ice cream shop after the dental visit will be an excellent prize.

Conclusion

Dental anxiety can prevent your child from getting the necessary dental care. But with the right strategies and thorough planning, you can help ease your child’s worry. Follow the tips mentioned in this post to help your child develop a good dental routine that will benefit them for many years.