Many people have fears about going to the dentist. This is especially true for kids as it is a new experience that can be overwhelming. It’s helpful to prepare your child for their first visit so they can have a good experience. Below you will find the top 5 reasons kids are scared of the dentist and what you can do to help.
5 Reasons Kids Are Scared of the Dentist
Dental fear is a common issue, especially among children. Consider the following reasons why kids are scared of the dentist so you can ensure your child has a healthy and happy experience at the dentist’s office.
The Unknown:
The dentist may seem like a scary place because it’s unfamiliar. Because your child only needs to visit the dentist twice a year, it’s likely not enough to make them feel comfortable. This is especially true when they are young. Some dentists don’t allow parents to stay with their child during the appointment so that can often be an added element when it comes to children’s fear of the dentist.
One of the best ways to prepare your child for the dentist in Encino is to equip them with a lot of helpful information. Ask the receptionist in advance what the appointment is going to entail. Let your child know what they will be doing and also prepare them for some changes in case it doesn’t go as planned. Be sure the conversation is age appropriate and includes information about how important dental health is. This can get them both involved and excited for the appointment.
Unfamiliar Sounds:
Sometimes the sounds at the dentist can be intimidating. Between brushes, drills, and X-rays, there are a lot of external stimuli at the dentist’s office that can really frighten your child. Just like with preparing your child for the appointment in terms of what will happen, it’s also important to let them know they may hear a lot of new sounds. Talking with your child about the purpose of the dental tools can help provide them with more context when they hear them for the first time.
Sterile Environment:
Cleanliness and sanitation is paramount to the success of a dental office. However, it can look pretty scary to a small child if they only see white walls, dental tools, lights, and the reclining dental chair. One of the best ways to combat this is to find a dentist in Encino that specializes in children’s dentistry. Dentists who work with children often have brighter dental offices, and they are better equipped to work with children. This can be a game changer when your child is young as it can ease them into the experience of going to the dentist. Kids dentistry in Encino is a great choice to ensure your child has a healthy and enjoyable experience at the dentist.
Pain or Discomfort:
This is something everyone can agree on as nobody likes to experience pain. However, the advancements in modern dentistry have made nearly every dental treatment or procedure fairly comfortable. There are a number of options to help reduce the pain and make the experience smoother. Regular cleanings generally are no issue, but talk with the dentist about any procedures your child may need to get. It’s best to prepare them for the level of pain they will experience and consider any pain relief options available.
Separation Anxiety:
Depending on the dental office, parents may need to sit in the waiting room during the dental appointment. This can stress children out as they often rely on their parents for moral support. While it may be difficult the first time, it’s healthy to encourage your child to be more independent. Sometimes having a parent around can do more harm than good. So it’s a great opportunity to help your child do something on their own. Talk to them in advance and let them know they will be on their own so they are not surprised.
