Although many people of all ages experience dental anxiety, it can be particularly challenging for children. However, your pediatric dentist doesn’t want your kid’s worry to prevent them from receiving essential care to protect their still-developing smile. Many providers are licensed to administer different sedatives, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to keep them calm and comfortable during their appointments.
As a parent, it can also be helpful to understand the underlying cause of your child’s fear to help them overcome it. With that in mind, keep reading to learn more about dental phobias and what you can do to minimize their impact!
What is Dental Anxiety?
There’s a difference between general worry about dental work and a deeply rooted fear. While anxiety is common, phobias are less so and may require special accommodations to manage. It can be hard to know how deeply this impacts your little one if they’re too small to express their concerns verbally. They may lash out physically or emotionally instead.
If your child exhibits these symptoms, they may be suffering from dentophobia (fear of dentists):
- Sweating.
- Racing heartbeat or palpitations.
- Visible emotional distress or signs of panic.
- Low blood pressure or fainting.
- Masking anxiety with withdrawal, humor, or aggression.
What Causes Dental Anxiety and Phobias?
Several potential factors might lead to an irrational worry over visiting the dentist, such as:
- A previous traumatic experience with a healthcare provider.
- Fear of a loss of control.
- Concern over the unknown.
- Head or neck injuries in the past.
- Actual or perceived medical abuse.
- General anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Associated phobias like agoraphobia (fear of being in situations you cannot easily escape), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).
How Can I Support My Child Through Dental Anxiety?
Fortunately, several techniques exist that might help assuage your kid’s concerns. If they’re panicking about an upcoming trip to the dentist, you can try:
- Deep breathing exercises, like box breathing. Try inhaling with them to the count of 4 and then exhaling for the same length of time.
- Mediating.
- Distracting them with books, music, or games.
- Bringing a weighted blanket to their appointment.
If you’ve tried everything you can think of and nothing seems to make a difference, you may need to seek additional assistance. Some children benefit from short, targeted psychological therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).
Your dentist knows that many little ones are afraid, and they’re more than happy to work with you to ensure that your child has a stress-free experience!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rullo enjoys helping families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education from Brock University and Honours Degrees in Mathematics & Statistics, and Biology from McMaster. Then, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Western University in London, Ontario. He and his dedicated team specialize in children with general anxiety, high sensitivity, and/or physical and intellectual disabilities that might otherwise hinder them from receiving oral care. Plus, they offer multiple types of sedation to ensure your little one can receive the treatments they need. You can request an appointment on the website or call (905) 525-8272.