It\u2019s common to avoid those things that create stress and fear. In some instances, this is a healthy reaction. Even so, in the case of dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, avoidance can produce unhealthy outcomes. The results can lead to a short- and long -term impact on a child\u2019s oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Delayed or cancelled dental appointments or treatment produce a downward spiral. Dental pain, general health problems, increased anxiety, and more costly or complex dental treatment can be traced to dental fear that\u2019s not confronted and overcome.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Kids Fear the Dentist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFirst of all, dental fear is a common experience. In fact, it\u2019s estimated that 20% of school age children fear visiting the dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The general issue of dental phobia is categorized among other diagnosed phobias. But the big question is why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental anxiety can be triggered by a number of experiences<\/a> including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- A previous traumatic experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A fear of needles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A conditional response promoted by other family members<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s essential to a child\u2019s oral and general health that their fear of the dentist be sourced and solved. There are promising and practical steps to help kids feel at ease, comfortable, and confident during a visit to the dentist<\/a>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHOW TO HELP KIDS OVERCOME THEIR FEAR OF THE DENTIST<\/strong>
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nEncourage Parents to Model a Healthy Relationship with Dentistry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idskids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/brush-teeth-with-your-kids-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Parents and the significant adults in a child\u2019s life set the tone for how a child interacts with others. Role modeling can and should include health related encounters like dentistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any talk or response of fear will naturally be picked up by a child. Likewise, positive language and experiences will be associated as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parents can lead the way by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Allowing their child\/children to accompany them to a dental appointment (e.g. a routine teeth cleaning).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Encouraging them to ask questions about what the dentist is doing during an appointment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sharing how their teeth feel after a cleaning, procedure, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Modeling daily oral hygiene and asking their child\/children to join them while brushing and flossing.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Educate Them Early and Often About Dentistry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idskids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dental-education-for-kids-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEarly adopters of dentistry will be less likely to experience extended bouts of dental anxiety. Keep in mind that they might not be completely fearless, but they will be more comfortable in the dental environment.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idskids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/learning-about-appointment-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Also consider adding some age-level educational resources to help acquaint kids with what to expect when visiting the dentist. Coloring books<\/a>, associative games, and youth-oriented books will help educate them about dental appointments, routine procedures, and generally how to care for their developing teeth.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n ![\"CTA-blog-kids-activities\"](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/7692378\/interactive-155256269350.png\")
\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engage Their Curiosity with a Preliminary Office Visit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTheir first visit to the dentist doesn\u2019t have to involve an examination. Why not allow them to experience a somewhat \u201chands-on,\u201d get-acquainted tour of the dental office?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The environment will be less intimidating if they can walk around, smell the aromas, see the instruments, sit in a chair, etc. A child will begin to make a positive association with dentistry the more they\u2019re exposed to the environment prior to an actual dental appointment.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equip Them with Positive Vibes, Proactive Habits, and Rewarding Outcomes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWords matter. And when speaking about dentistry it\u2019s vital to choose a positive, inviting tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equally so, good habits are formed when actions are positive instead of negative. Saying, \u201cyou have to brush your teeth\u2026\u201d carries the tone that it\u2019s a burden to do so. Instead, make a positive association with dental care by referring to brushing and flossing as a natural part of the daily health routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it can help matters to provide some incentive for being courageous about a dental visit. Find some reasonable motivation and offer it as a \u201creward\u201d for a child\u2019s positive embrace of a dental appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idskids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/prize-1-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create a Calming Environment and You\u2019ll See a Decrease in Fear of the Dentist and an Increase in a Positive Perception of Dentistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAn outstanding patient experience for children and families begins with a kid-centric mindset and environment. Check out these related resources for upgrading, renewing, and providing anxiety-free dental visits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Calming Strategies for Kids Nervous About Healthcare Appointments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDownload Our White Paper: Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A previous traumatic experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A fear of needles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A conditional response promoted by other family members<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s essential to a child\u2019s oral and general health that their fear of the dentist be sourced and solved. There are promising and practical steps to help kids feel at ease, comfortable, and confident during a visit to the dentist<\/a>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHOW TO HELP KIDS OVERCOME THEIR FEAR OF THE DENTIST<\/strong>
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nEncourage Parents to Model a Healthy Relationship with Dentistry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Parents and the significant adults in a child\u2019s life set the tone for how a child interacts with others. Role modeling can and should include health related encounters like dentistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAny talk or response of fear will naturally be picked up by a child. Likewise, positive language and experiences will be associated as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parents can lead the way by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Allowing their child\/children to accompany them to a dental appointment (e.g. a routine teeth cleaning).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Encouraging them to ask questions about what the dentist is doing during an appointment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sharing how their teeth feel after a cleaning, procedure, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Modeling daily oral hygiene and asking their child\/children to join them while brushing and flossing.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Educate Them Early and Often About Dentistry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEarly adopters of dentistry will be less likely to experience extended bouts of dental anxiety. Keep in mind that they might not be completely fearless, but they will be more comfortable in the dental environment.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Also consider adding some age-level educational resources to help acquaint kids with what to expect when visiting the dentist. Coloring books<\/a>, associative games, and youth-oriented books will help educate them about dental appointments, routine procedures, and generally how to care for their developing teeth.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nEngage Their Curiosity with a Preliminary Office Visit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Their first visit to the dentist doesn\u2019t have to involve an examination. Why not allow them to experience a somewhat \u201chands-on,\u201d get-acquainted tour of the dental office?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The environment will be less intimidating if they can walk around, smell the aromas, see the instruments, sit in a chair, etc. A child will begin to make a positive association with dentistry the more they\u2019re exposed to the environment prior to an actual dental appointment.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nEquip Them with Positive Vibes, Proactive Habits, and Rewarding Outcomes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Words matter. And when speaking about dentistry it\u2019s vital to choose a positive, inviting tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equally so, good habits are formed when actions are positive instead of negative. Saying, \u201cyou have to brush your teeth\u2026\u201d carries the tone that it\u2019s a burden to do so. Instead, make a positive association with dental care by referring to brushing and flossing as a natural part of the daily health routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it can help matters to provide some incentive for being courageous about a dental visit. Find some reasonable motivation and offer it as a \u201creward\u201d for a child\u2019s positive embrace of a dental appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nCreate a Calming Environment and You\u2019ll See a Decrease in Fear of the Dentist and an Increase in a Positive Perception of Dentistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
An outstanding patient experience for children and families begins with a kid-centric mindset and environment. Check out these related resources for upgrading, renewing, and providing anxiety-free dental visits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Calming Strategies for Kids Nervous About Healthcare Appointments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Download Our White Paper: Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"CTA-blog-contact-IDS\"](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/7692378\/interactive-154374118318.png\")
\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"