Although most people don’t love visiting the dentist, they don’t experience panic, fear, or anxiety. For some children, the idea of going to the dentist is enough to cause a large amount of anxiety. They may display signs of panic before a dental visit, which, left unchecked, can eventually develop into a dental phobia.Our team at Dentus Family Dental wants your child’s dental experience to be positive. Here is a list of things you can do as a parent to help your child overcome their fear of visiting our dentist in St. Albert.
Be Honest
Being open and honest with your child regarding dental anxiety is a good idea. It is normal to have a fear of the unknown, so informing your child about what to expect at the dentist and why certain procedures must happen is likely to reduce their stress.
Don’t skirt around the truth when your child asks you questions about visiting the dentist. If your child feels that you are being dishonest or holding back, it could have a negative impact on their attitude toward the dentist.
Try to Understand What is Causing Your Child’s Fear
Due to negative experiences in the past, your child may have a fear of visiting our kid’s dentist near you. One of the easiest ways to help your child overcome these fears is to understand what fear they have and what is triggering it. Here are some of the most common fears that kids have when it comes to going to the dentist:
1) Fear of Pain:
Children may hear of painful dental experiences from other children or adults who have had similar dental procedures and may worry that they will have to endure the same. It is important to remind your child that our kid’s dentist in St. Albert is dedicated to making sure they feel as comfortable as possible.
2) Fear of Needles:
This a common fear even in adults. Understanding that some pain is associated with needles can be scary for kids. Remind your child that a dental professional is trained in the best techniques to make a needle as painless as possible.
3) Fear of Loss of Control:
The idea of being stuck in the dental chair while someone performs a dental procedure is enough to send some kids into a panic attack. At Dentus Family Dental, we allow parents to sit with their children during treatment to help keep them calm.
How to Calm Your Child Before a Dentist Appointment?
Before bringing your child into our dental clinic near you, you can do the following the ease their anxiety:
- Allow them to bring comforts with them, such as a blanket or stuffed toy
- Practice deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
- Let your child know you will be there to support them the entire time
- Provide positive reinforcement with rewards such as ice cream or a visit to the Zoo after their visit
How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Child?
Many things can cause a child to harbour negative feelings toward the dentist. It is best to seek our pediatric dentist who understands how to soothe and educate children regarding their dental anxiety.
At Dentus Family Dental, our dedicated dental professionals work hard to calm your child’s nerves and provide a warm and welcoming environment. You should be able to trust that our family dentist will make your child feel confident and comfortable during their visit.
Please get in touch with our clinic to book a consultation today!