Not everyone is a fan of visiting the dentist, and while it pains us, we do understand. Even with a kind pediatric dentist in Cool Springs, your child may dislike the idea of waiting in our lobby, sitting still while someone revises their mouth, and (God forbid it) getting injections!  

Nevertheless, visiting the dentist regularly is fundamental for maintaining oral health. In the long run, dental fear can lead to serious oral health problems later in life, which is something no parent wants. To help you avoid it, here’s a breakdown of common causes for dental fear in children, its consequences, and how to help your little one overcome it.

What Is Dental Anxiety?

Although commonly associated with children, dental anxiety is a common occurrence that affects the general population. Researchers discovered that 19% of the more than 300 participants in one 2017 study experienced severe dental anxiety.

It is not a diagnosable condition, nor does it cause any major disturbances to daily life, except that it involves apprehension and anxiety around the idea of visiting the dentist. A person may have the following symptoms as a result of dental anxiety:

• A faster heart rate
• Sweating
• Panic and distress
• Lower blood pressure
• Fainting

This may cause them to avoid the dentist altogether, which will have several consequences for their oral health in the long run. In dentistry, prevention is fundamental. Prompt diagnosis of issues like gum disease or tooth decay can ensure easier, faster, and more effective treatments.

For instance, an undiagnosed cavity will continue to foster and damage the dental pulp, requiring a root canal treatment and a crown to fully restore it to health. On the other hand, a quickly identified cavity can be easily restored with a filling.

Sadly, patients with extreme dental anxiety may miss dental appointments overall due to dental anxiety.

What Causes Dental Fear in Children?

Almost always, dental anxiety is a learned behavior rather than the result of a personal experience and may be caused by a wide variety of factors.

Children and adolescents frequently fear the dentist for the following reasons:

• Fear of the unknown. If your kid doesn’t know what to expect from their first visit to the dentist, they may experience fear or anxiety.
• The parents are afraid of the dentist. Kids are very sensitive, and they will absorb your emotions and fears even if you don’t realize it. Avoid projecting your own dental anxiety onto your child. The way you speak about the dentist is important and will greatly influence your child’s emotions during their dental visit.
• The dentist is portrayed as scary in books and TV shows. Many TV series and novels deal with dental visits and procedures, and they are frequently portrayed negatively. Your child may grow up to think that all dentists are evil and should be feared as a result.
• The child had a bad experience. If your little one has a bad dental appointment, recovering from it can be hard. However, the damage can be repaired by the care of a new, warmer dentist who properly understands your kid’s worries and needs.

Consequences of Dental Anxiety

Dental fear can have several repercussions. As a result, parents may be less likely to take their kids to the dentist on a regular basis. This may result in improper dental development, early tooth loss, and untreated oral health problems.

In the long run, it may result in negative behavior, such as skipping the dentist altogether as adults. This can lead to major oral and general health issues like cavities and gum disease and, in the long run, low self-esteem.

How to Help Your Child Overcome Dental Fear

To ensure your kids grow up understanding the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, helping them recover from their dental anxiety is fundamental. To do so, here are five tips:

• Prepare your kid for the appointment. Don’t let your children in the dark about their first dental visit. Let them know what will happen, why it’s important, and how they can express their worries to their dental professional.
• Change the story. Share a positive dental experience you had with your child. It could be as straightforward as your very first dental visit as a child or a dental cleaning that left you satisfied with your smile.
• Play dentist at home. Using everyday household objects as dental tools, you can play dentist at home to help your child get used to the idea of going to the dentist. Make your child brush their teeth, pretend to be the dentist, and have them sit back like she is in the dental chair. The next time they have a dental visit, they won’t be as afraid!
• Let them bring their comfort items. There is no law prohibiting a child from bringing a blanket, toy, or stuffed animal to the dentist's office. Our goal is for your child to feel as at home and comfortable as possible.
• Watch a television program that shows dental visits in a positive light. More and more TV series and novels these days feature protagonists who, after realizing the dentist is not actually that scary, get over their own dental phobia. This could help your child overcome their fear and anxiety.
• Find a warm pediatric dentist. In pediatric dentistry, the way you treat patients and their worries is just as important as your qualifications. Ensuring your child has the best dental experience possible is crucial to providing quality care, so look for a professional who places the focus on protecting your child’s feelings. Make sure the dentist is a good fit for your child by having a thorough conversation with them.

Get the Dental Appointment You Need with a Kind Pediatric Dentist in Cool Springs

Dental anxiety is not an easy thing to overcome. Emotions are complex things, and every child may have unique, different ways of dealing with and expressing them. However, if their fears are keeping them from visiting our dental office, it could have unwanted consequences on their oral health in the long run.

To prevent that, visiting a dental office that understands and knows how to deal with dental anxiety is key. Here at Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team of pediatric dentists is well-recognized for their warm treatment. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, reach out!

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