What is the cause of dental phobia in children?

Some children fear the dentist only because they have a bad memory of going to the dentist. They may have acquired this anxiety from a family member. The truth is, if your child doesn’t deal with their stress now, it can become a problem when they have to continue their dental appointments as an adult. For this reason, in this article, we will examine the cause of dental phobia in children and tips to deal with your child’s anxiety, so that you can have a successful visit with your children.

What is dental phobia?

Dental anxiety is the fear or stress caused by going to the dentist. Dental anxiety can be specific to certain procedures or tools, such as drills or needles. However, some children may experience anxiety even at the thought of going to the dentist.

Unfortunately, childhood dental anxiety can lead to avoidance of cleanings and checkups in adulthood and lead to oral care problems that require extensive treatment later. Avoidance often compounds stress. Now, they have to deal with the aspects of going to the dentist that cause the most fear, such as local anesthesia or tooth extraction, as the cycle continues.

This is why dealing with dental anxiety in children will help them in the future. Parents should ensure that children do not avoid going to the dentist as adults by helping their children develop coping mechanisms or get rid of dental anxiety.

Why are some children afraid of the dentist?

Children may fear the dentist for many reasons. Some children’s anxiety rears its ugly head after many experiences, including the dentist. Often, parents, parents, or siblings fear the dentist and the child learns from them.

Other factors that may lead to dental anxiety include:

• A memory of a previous painful experience
• The sight or feel of steel dental appliances on their teeth
• The smell or appearance of the dental environment
• Avoid preventive appointments
• Concerned about dental appointment costs
• Inadequate preparation for the first dental visit

How to help your child deal with dental anxiety?

Talk to your child about the dental procedure before the visit. You should talk about it, even if it’s a simple checkup, then answer your child’s questions honestly. Describe the process in understandable terms and pleasant language. You can search for pictures of the dental office online, point out the dental chair, ceiling light, and some equipment related to children, and ease their fears.

You can also talk to your child about a reward he will get after the date, such as a toy or game, so he can expect a reward. Other ways to eliminate dental anxiety in children include:

• Never use dental treatment as a threat to encourage oral hygiene.
• Bring a toy with your child to the dental appointment.
• Finding a story or game about going to the dentist can help reduce a child’s fear.
• Find a dentist who is trained to deal with anxious patients.
• Parents with dental anxiety can learn more by reading articles.

Use positive reinforcers for oral care

Although it may be easy and effective (for now), warning your child that if they don’t brush their teeth they’re going to have a major dental procedure will increase their fear of the dentist. And they may avoid the dentist as adults. Use positive reinforcers for good oral hygiene. You can use toothbrushes that play fun tunes as a timer or give you ongoing oral care rewards at home.

• Bring a relaxing toy or device to the dentist

A favorite stuffed animal or other small toy can be comforting in times of stress and fear. You can call the dentist’s office before the appointment to discuss your child’s anxiety and ask if you can bring the item. Sometimes dentists carry a collection of toys or stuffed animals for children that do not interfere with the dentist or dental hygienist.

• Read stories or play games about visiting the dentist

A great way to relieve stress or anxiety is to visit your baby at home. There are many toy dental tools to help. You can also read fiction books about visiting the dentist that are designed to help reduce anxiety.

• Find a professional pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists have two years of additional training to treat all problems that may arise with your child’s oral care. Their additional training can give you confidence as a parent. Also, it will be a more comfortable experience for your child. Pediatric dentists design their offices from the waiting room to the exam room to make treating children easier.

Finally, teaching and reinforcing good oral care habits, including early routine dental appointments, will help. Your child needs to understand that the dentist in Toronto and dental hygienists want to help keep their teeth healthy and that there is nothing to be afraid of.