How a Kid Friendly Dentist Can Ease Dental Anxiety in Children

Going to a kid friendly dentist for the first time can be one of the most memorable occasions in your child’s life. That is why it must be as pleasant as possible. Knowing how this provider can ease any fear in your child can relieve your worries as a parent. Here are the details on how a kid friendly dentist can relieve dental anxiety in young patients.

By encouraging open communication

Research shows that dental anxiety comes from one’s fear of the unknown. The kid friendly dentist can explain the steps of the checkup or treatment to the child. Using words that the child understands can relieve the fear right away. Calling dental tools fun names like tooth tickler will let the child to know the experience is good. This knowledge can help the child relax in the treatment chair.

By providing a child-friendly environment

Walking into a kid friendly dentist’s clinic should give the child a sense of fun. The venue should be inviting with its play area, wholesome entertainment, and colorful décor. These elements will give the child an engaging place to be themselves. They can even distract them even while in the treatment room.

A kid friendly dentist’s goal is to cater to the needs of every child. The staff is also trained to keep the kids at ease. The practice is always stocked with games, toys, and books to help kids create positive memories. The tools and equipment are also designed to fit in smaller mouths.

By giving positive reinforcement

Studies show that rewarding children for cooperation and bravery make the dental experience even more positive. The reward can be in the form of toys or words of encouragement by the end of the visit. Positive reinforcement can make each appointment more pleasant than the last one. It can also make the next visits easier.

By involving the parents

Having someone familiar in the treatment room can help relieve dental fear. A kid friendly dentist often allows the guardian or parent to stay and hold the child’s hands. Placing the child in the parent’s lap is also ideal to calm the child. The comforting presence can make the appointment more pleasant.

By providing dental sedation

Clinical studies show that lengthy procedures and severe dental fear need dental sedation in children. The goal is to relax the child during the treatment. Administering dental sedation is often under a trained professional’s watchful eye. This part of the kid friendly dentist’s procedure will keep the child healthy and secure. The most common dental sedation is nitrous oxide or laughing gas. This sedation takes minutes to take effect.

By providing a custom-fit treatment

Each child has a different set of dental needs. The dentist will create a targeted treatment plan for each child. Different strategies will make this possible. The flexible approach will help address the child’s needs and anxieties at the same time.