Children’s Dental Anxiety

26 January 2021

Children’s Dental Anxiety

Children are surprisingly adept at picking up on emotions so many children learn to fear a visit to the dentist from their parents. Overcoming a child’s dental anxiety is a combination of guidance, example and information and should begin at an early age.

Most experts in childhood dental anxiety recommend a first check-up and visit to a dentist as soon as the first teeth start to develop which can be as early as six months of age. The best method of alleviating a child’s fear is to:

•  Schedule a first visit to a child-friendly dentist when the first teeth start to emerge. The earlier a child gets used to these visits, the more relaxed he or she will be.
•    Never mention or associate pain with a dental visit, when talking with your family. Leave explanations to the dentist who has training in this regard..
•    Never exhibit any personal fear or anxiety regarding dental visits as this can easily be transmitted to the child..

It is also crucial to select a dentist “who has a child-friendly practice” and a proven track record in treating children and younger patients. This can be done through recommendations from friends, relatives and colleagues or by visiting the dental practice for a conversation with the dentist and staff members.

Read more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/helping-your-child-overcome-dental-anxiety/.