Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on January 17, 2024
When even adults feel anxious about going to the dentist, it’s no surprise that children experience dental anxiety too. Left unaddressed, that anxiety can lead to delays in essential dental care and, over time, avoidable oral health issues. Building a positive attitude toward dental visits early is just as important as the dental care itself.
If your child struggles with dental anxiety, choosing the right pediatric dentist can make a real difference. Esteem Dental specializes in pediatric dentistry, with an approach built around helping children feel safe and understood at every visit.
Signs Your Child May Have Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety in children can show up differently depending on the child’s age and personality. Common signs include:
- Crying, trembling, or clinging to a parent before or during an appointment
- Refusing to open their mouth for the dentist
- Trouble sleeping the night before a scheduled visit
- Complaining of stomachaches or headaches on appointment days
- Talking about the dentist using words like scary or hurt
These fears often stem from previous negative experiences, fear of unfamiliar instruments or sounds, or simply not knowing what to expect.
How Parents Can Help Before a Visit
A little preparation at home can go a long way toward easing a child’s nerves before an appointment. Using neutral, positive language rather than words like “shot” or “hurt” helps prevent a child from building up worry in advance. Reading a children’s book about visiting the dentist or watching a short video together can also make the experience feel more familiar.
Practicing at home, such as having your child open their mouth wide while you count their teeth with a soft toothbrush, can help them get comfortable with the sensation before their appointment. Scheduling visits earlier in the day, when children tend to be less tired and more cooperative, can also help.
Esteem Dental’s Approach to Pediatric Anxiety
Esteem Dental has developed a patient-centered approach to address dental anxiety in children. Our practice is staffed with trained and compassionate pediatric dentists and hygienists who understand how to create a nurturing environment for young patients.
One technique commonly used in pediatric dentistry is “tell-show-do,” where the dentist explains a step in simple terms, shows the child the instrument or tool involved, and only then proceeds with that step. This approach gives children a sense of control and predictability that can significantly reduce anxiety.
For children with more significant dental anxiety, sedation options such as nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, are available. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, behavior guidance techniques like tell-show-do and, when appropriate, mild sedation are standard tools used to help anxious children get through dental visits comfortably. Our dentists assess each case individually and discuss available options with parents before any treatment begins.
Contact Our Experienced Pediatric Dentists at Esteem Dental
Addressing dental anxiety in children is essential for their overall well-being and for building positive oral health habits that last into adulthood. By combining experienced pediatric dentists, gentle behavior guidance techniques, and personalized sedation options when necessary, Esteem Dental gives parents the reassurance they need.
Don’t let dental anxiety hinder your child’s dental health journey. Contact our practice today by filling out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Dental Anxiety
At what age should my child have their first dental visit?
Most pediatric dental organizations recommend a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting, so children become familiar with the dental office early on.
Is sedation safe for young children at the dentist?
Options like nitrous oxide are widely used in pediatric dentistry and are considered safe when administered and monitored by a trained dental team. Your dentist will review your child’s health history before recommending any sedation option.
What if my child refuses to open their mouth at the appointment?
Pediatric dentists are trained to work at a child’s pace, often using the tell-show-do method to build trust gradually rather than forcing a step before a child is ready.
Can dental anxiety in children go away over time?
Many children become more comfortable with repeated positive visits, especially when the dental team uses a consistent, gentle approach and parents avoid negative language about dental care at home.
Should I stay in the room during my child’s appointment?
This depends on your child’s age and comfort level. Our team can advise whether staying nearby or stepping back tends to help your specific child feel more at ease.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
