How to Conquer Dental Anxiety in Children

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s most recent recommendation is that children get their first by age one or when the first tooth erupts (whichever is sooner). This is the ideal stage of development in which to begin dentist visits because toddlers are so cooperative—said no parent ever. Let’s get real, a lot of us look forward to dental exams. However, the process can be especially fraught with worry for young children, who may develop dental anxiety as a result. Taking your child to the dentist can be a dreaded task for children and parents alike, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways you can help conquer dental anxiety for your child for their next trip to the pediatric dentist.

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My Child Freaks Out at the Dentist. How Do I Conquer Dental Anxiety?

Making it out of your child’s dentist appointment without tears, fears, or biting can be done. However, if this has been your child’s reaction to previous dental visits, you may find this hard to believe. It is difficult to see your child in distress. Dental anxiety can cause plenty of it, including sweating, shaking, dizziness, and even tingling “pins and needles” sensations. Severe dental anxiety in children is difficult for the child and the parent, but don’t let a bad visit in the past set you both up for future stress.  Whether your child is concerned about an upcoming dental visit or they are gearing up for a full-blown struggle and panic, read on for tips to keep in mind if you want to ease your child’s fears.

Related: How Often Should I Take My Kid to a Children’s Dentist?

Don’t Judge Based on One Visit

Any parent knows how easily children change their mind. The meal they couldn’t live without for months can suddenly be refused, and favorite outfits can be deemed unacceptable overnight. Kids can be fickle judges of just about everything, and many parents report their kids as anxious for one visit but perfect angels the next. If you’ve had an unpleasant experience at the pediatric dentist in the past, go into this next visit with a positive attitude. Your child may be inspired to adopt it.

Tell Them What to Expect from Their Visit

Children thrive on predictability, but they also have very few life experiences to draw from. This is why fear of the unknown can be a problem. Your child is afraid because they don’t know what to expect, but you can ease their worries by explaining what happens at a pediatric dental visit. There are videos you can watch online as well as plenty of great books on the subject.

Use Relaxation Techniques

There are many helpful relaxation techniques you can use with children, and these can be lifesavers during a trip to the dentist. Visualization exercises, calming music, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation have all been successfully used to calm children at the dentist. Being silly is also a great way to relax, so try to keep the mood lighthearted and fun.

Consider Systematic Desensitization

If your visit is a planned routine exam and not a last-minute emergency, you may have time to use systematic desensitization to make your child’s dentist visit go smoothly. Gradually expose your child to happy images of children receiving dental care. This process typically takes longer because it involves multiple visits to familiarize the child with the instruments, sights, and sounds of the dentist’s office.

Choose a Dentist Who Offers Sedation and Behavior Management

If your child can’t calm down and needs support that goes beyond the standard, consider taking them to a pediatric dentist who specializes in sedation dentistry and behavior management. Nitrous oxide and oxygen supplementation (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and in some extreme cases even IV sedation and general anesthesia can all be used to make your child comfortable while they undergo necessary treatments.

Related: Is Sedation Dentistry for Children Safe?

Preparing Your Child for the Dentist

Conquering dental anxiety starts with how you prepare your child for the dentist appointment. If your child hasn’t been to the dentist before, they won’t know what to expect. This is when you should begin implementing techniques to help prepare them. Whether this is your child’s first trip to the dentist or they have been before, your next visit doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Use the following strategies to make routine dental care easier.

Take Them to Their First Appointment at 1 Year Old

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s first dentist visit should take place when they get their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Many parents are surprised by this recommendation because your toddler will not be likely to have dental problems if they barely have teeth. However, early visits set your child up for a lifetime of dental confidence.

Use Positive Words

As parents, our words have power. To help an anxious child to calm down, encourage them to tell you about their fears. You can reassure them they are safe and answer any questions they have. Help your child to conquer their dental fears confidently by allowing them to create and direct a narrative about how the visit is going to go. Choosing their own happy ending will put them in the driver’s seat.

Use Positive Visualization

Like positive words, positive visualization can also have a powerful impact, so consider relying upon guided imagery scripts to help your child copy. Children are imaginative, and your child will love being able to use their imagination to transport themselves into a story they can picture themselves in. Create a visual narrative that will help them see themselves having a happy dentist visit.

Choose a Pediatric Dentist

If your child’s first pediatric dentist visit is coming up, you can count on your dentist to help. Pediatric dentists have two to three years of specialty training on top of dental school, and they are familiar with the needs of children who are suffering from dental anxiety. Many offices are decorated with positive images that were specifically chosen to reduce anxiety. Many offices give prizes like stickers, small toys, or t-shirts your child may look forward to.

When it comes to children and dental anxiety, there is hope for even the most anxious child. Try these techniques ahead of time and see which ones your child responds to. It is recommended that most children visit the dentist every six months for exams and to prevent cavities, so you may have time to get a jump start on prepping your child. With a little planning, preparation, and creativity, your last terrible dentist visit may very well be the last.