Going to the dentist is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. This is true for adults and children. While many adults have anxiety about the dentist, children can have a serious fear that can make it really traumatic if not properly addressed. In fact, more than 50% of children are afraid of going to the dentist. You may wonder why are children afraid of the dentist. Below you will find more information about children’s fear of the dentist and how to help them work through it.
Why Are Children Afraid of the Dentist?
There are a number of reasons why children are afraid to go to the dentist. However, this does not mean that they should not go to the dentist. Those fears need to be addressed so they feel safe and comfortable at their regular dental appointment. Consider the following reasons why children are scared to go to the dentist.
Pain and Discomfort:
Some children are afraid of the pain associated with dental procedures. They may have heard stories from their peers or parents about painful dental experiences. This is why it is important to bring your child to the dentist early on. This can help combat some of the fears they may have. Dentists recommend bringing your child to their first dentist appointment within 6 months from when their first tooth erupts or by the time they turn 1.
Fear of Needles:
Needles can be a part of the process when it comes to dental procedures and treatments. Whether it’s anesthesia or injection, it may be necessary during a visit. Children who have a fear of needles can definitely struggle with dentist appointments. However, it’s important to work with them on ways to address their fear. Depending on how young the child is, a conversation and support can often work to help them overcome their fear. This includes letting them know the consequences of avoiding the dentist, as that often results in the need for more dental work.
No Control:
Children can often feel a loss of control while at the dentist. Laying back with someone’s hands in your mouth, in addition to all of the smells, noises, and tools, can make anyone feel uneasy. The best way to combat this is to tell your child what will happen during the appointment in an age-appropriate way. Talk to your child about a hand signal or word they can use to let you know they are scared so you can easily support them in the moment.
Bad Past Experiences:
If your child has had a bad experience at the dentist, that can really impact their perception. This can cause a lot of fear and anxiety that can make it difficult to return. It may be beneficial to work with a new kids dentist at Rapids Dental that is skilled in pediatric dentistry so you can build new, positive experiences at the dentist. You can also plan something afterward that they can look forward to.
The Unknown:
This is an additional reason demonstrating that starting early is key when it comes to getting your child acclimated to the dentist. Was their first visit is before they are out of diapers. Then it’s pretty easy to get them comfortable at the Cedar Rapids dental office. If you have avoided bringing your child to the dentist, try and stop by before the appointment to familiarize them with the office. Talk with them about what is going to happen. That way, they are prepared and feel something in control of the process. If the issue persists, consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help them effectively cope during their appointment.