Does your child fear a visit to the dentist? If so, you should know that it is pretty common for children to have anxiety towards dentists. Recent surveys found that 20 percent of children fear pediatric dental care. In all honesty, you can’t blame your child for being afraid of a stranger pulling out loud tools to work in their mouth. Children’s dentists have specialized training, but children still see them as giant scary monsters that are trying to hurt them.
Often, this fear can develop into dentophobia, a fear that can hinder your child from taking dental hygiene seriously. If your child is afraid of the dentist, then read this article for some helpful tips.
What Is Dentophobia?
There is a phobia associated with visiting dentists called dentophobia. Often, the phobia is so bad that your child may start screaming and crying when they hear the word dentist. It can be problematic for a child’s well-being if they dislike receiving dental care.
As providers of dentistry for children in Spanish Fork, we understand the fears involved. Our team strives to provide your child with the best care possible so that they feel safe and secure.
Why Do Children Develop Dentophobia?
There are several reasons why a child may develop dentophobia. Here is why a child may refuse pediatric dental care:
- Anxious about visiting the dentist
- Afraid of the equipment’s loud noises
- Dentists can be frightening to them in general
- A parent or someone in the family suffers from the same phobia
- An unpleasant experience at the dentist caused them to be apprehensive
When your child doesn’t want to go to the dentist, it can be difficult and stressful for you as a parent. So if a child is afraid of the dentist, what can a parent do? Read on to see how a dentist in Spanish Fork can help you.
Talk With Your Child
First, a parent needs to discuss with their child the dentist appointment in advance. Gently ask open-ended questions about your child’s fear of the dentist to encourage them to open up. For example, you can ask your child these questions to help them:
- Why is it so important to visit the dentist?
- Do you know that your dentist is trying to keep your teeth healthy?
- What would happen if you didn’t get dental care?
- What is it about the dentist that makes you afraid?
When you ask these questions, they will see the kids’ dentist isn’t so bad. Remember to discuss the importance of dental hygiene and how the dentist is trying to help.
Watch Pediatric Dental Care Videos on YouTube
YouTube is an excellent platform for exploring different environments and learning something new. So take this opportunity to introduce them to what a kids’ dentist looks like.
Go to YouTube and search for “children’s dentist” to find a video for your child to watch. Take this time to ask your child the open-ended questions above while watching the video.
Pretend You’re the Kid Dentist While Roleplaying
Playing can also help your child become comfortable going to see a dentist for kids in Spanish Fork. Through play, children learn about the world around them. In addition, role-playing will help your child feel safe receiving pediatric dental care.
Therapists encourage parents to play with their children to help them. For example, consider buying your child a dentist costume and toys. Then, while playing with them, pretend they are the dentist doing dental work on you.
Find the Right Kid Dentist
Children need special care, visit someone specializing in pediatric dental care. Pediatric dentists have the right training to care for a child’s dental work. Also, they know what to do to make children feel comfortable when they visit the dentist.
Switch to a pediatric dentist if your child dislikes their current dentist. A more pleasant environment and a friendlier face may lead to a more enjoyable trip to the dentist.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment With Your Dentist
Pediatric dentists often offer consultations for children. The purpose is to make children feel comfortable visiting their dentist. The trip will also get them acquainted with the dental office. Then, when your child visits the dentist, they will have no fear of the dental work involved.
Additionally, a children’s dentist atmosphere will help them become more relaxed about seeing one.
Listen to Soothing Music During the Appointment
Putting on music can ease people’s anxiety, calm them down, and improve their mood. So at the consultation appointment, ask if your child can listen to soothing music.
If the dentist agrees, make a playlist before the appointment. Then, while the dentist takes care of your child’s dental hygiene, they will be more relaxed and calm.
Remember to Offer Your Child Comfort When Receiving Pediatric Dental Care
Ensure sure you stay calm and speak to your child as gently as possible when they go to the dentist. Again, parental guidance is crucial to helping your child remember things will be okay. Talk about the dentist and emphasize how important dental hygiene is for them.
To prevent any fears they may have on their dental visit, avoid using trigger words such as pain and drills. In the waiting room, talk about how friendly the staff is and what fun toys they have to play with.
It will also be good to bring a toy that will help them feel comfortable and safe. To reassure your child, your dentist can pretend to do dental work on the toy.
You Can Find the Best Children’s Dentist in Spanish Fork
If you’re looking for pediatric dental care, then consider a children’s dentist in Spanish Fork. We provide top dental care for your child in a comfortable and safe environment.
Contact us today for a kid’s dentist in Spanish Fork.
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