Wondering how to deal with your child’s dental anxiety? It can be difficult for parents to understand exactly what their child is going through. When children resist going to the dental office, many parents will try to bribe or force them to go to these necessary dental appointments, which may only lead to additional anxiety. Instead, there are a few great tips that parents can use to help their child overcome these anxious feelings.
According to Anxiety.org, dental anxiety affects 10 to 20 percent of adults in the United States and 9 percent of children.
Children who experience dental anxiety will act out in one way or another if their anxiety is not properly dealt with. Once a child learns that it is time for them to go to their dental appointment, they may throw a tantrum, scream at the top of their lungs, hide and/or cry. It simply depends on the child when it comes to how they are going to express their feelings of anxiety. Since every parent wants to avoid dealing with the above issues, learning proven tips can be beneficial.
The following is a list of tips that any parent can use to help their child overcome their dental anxiety.
Not every dental office will place a focus on helping patients deal with their dental anxiety. This makes it essential to find a dental office that has a friendly team of dental professionals.
When appropriate, making positive dental statements can help a child form a positive attitude on all things dental. For example, children listen to their parents complaining about going to the dentist and internally hold onto this information. Instead, parents should say things like how excited they are to go to their dental appointment so they can have a healthy mouth!
Many parents will find it beneficial to provide educational items to their child, giving the child a different point of view. Books, online videos and even role-playing can help ease a child’s anxiety.
Using positive reinforcements, not bribes, will help a child focus on a particular reward that they can earn if they can be brave. Examples of rewards include buying them a new book or going to the movies.
Is your child currently experiencing dental anxiety? We hope that the above tips will help you deal with your child’s anxiety. Since you know your child the best, feel free to use the tips that you think will work. If you are still experiencing problems with getting your child to the dental office, then we invite you to call us for more information. It is necessary for your child to make it to their regular dental appointment so they can always experience good oral health. We are here for you!
Request an appointment here: https://lakenormandentistry.com or call Lake Norman Dentistry at (704) 895-3858 for an appointment in our Huntersville office.
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