Seeing your dentist every six months can help reduce the chances of decay and the development of disease. But many people suffer from anxiety when going to the dentist, especially children. Fear of the dentist is common, but it’s no excuse to delay proper dental hygiene or treatment.
Pediatric dentistry in Fallston, MD, is crucial in helping your children develop strong and healthy bites. By understanding where their fears come from, you can help your kids remain calm and comfortable during their next dental visit.
Why Children Fear the Dentist
The dentist’s office is an unfamiliar place, filled with strange people, strange equipment, and strange noises. It’s natural that a child’s stress and anxiety will rise when visiting. But knowledge is power, and you can give your children a better understanding of their own fears and the dental office.
Fear of the Unknown
Most fear of the dentist’s office comes from not knowing what’s going on or what’s going to happen. Even a routine cleaning appointment can create anxiety if you haven’t had a cleaning in a long while. Explaining the procedure of the appointment to your child can help them feel more comfortable with it.
Most family dentist offices tend to allow more appointment time for children. It may be a good idea to ask for additional time before an appointment if your child is particularly afraid.
Being able to sit down with their dentist and ask questions while getting used to the dental chair can help reduce stress and anxiety. If your child is too shy to ask questions themselves, have them create a list before going to the dentist so you can ask for them.
Fear of Pain
While your family dentist will do everything possible to ensure your child is safe and comfortable, some pain during a procedure is a possibility. Because of this possibility, your children may be afraid to even try any kind of procedure. It may help to teach your children about the different levels of pain.
For example, getting local anesthesia can create a small pinching sensation in their gums, but it won’t be a sharp, stabbing sensation like they might be fearful of. Your dentist will also make it clear that the child can let them know if they feel any pain during the appointment, and the dentist will stop work to address the concern right away.
Is Your Child Afraid of the Dentist?
Being afraid of the dentist is fairly common among younger patients. But good oral hygiene and routine exams are the best ways to prevent decay and disease. At Harford County Dentistry, we do everything possible to provide pediatric dentistry in Fallston, MD, for all children, regardless of their level of anxiety.
We’ll work with you to help your child be prepared and comfortable during their next visit. If your child is afraid of the dentist, give us a call at (410) 994-2627 to discuss your options.