Children can be afraid of the dentist for various reasons. This may include:
Fear of pain: Children may associate dental treatment with pain, which can lead to anxiety and fear.
Fear of the unknown: Children may not know what to expect during a dental visit, which can make them feel anxious and uncertain.
Fear of losing control: Sitting still and having someone work on their teeth can be uncomfortable for some children, especially if they feel like they have no control over the situation.
Previous negative experiences: If a child has had a negative dental experience in the past, it can make them fearful of future visits.
Fear of the tools and equipment: Some children may be intimidated by the dental instruments and equipment, which can appear sharp and scary.
Children can also be anxious as a result of their parents’ fear of the dentist or because they have heard stories from others about negative experiences at the dentist.
At Tandenfeest -dental practice for children, we understand that dental anxiety is common among children. Our team has extensive experience in working with children
Preparing the child for a dental visit
Start talking about dental visits early on, ideally before their first visit.
Keep it positive and emphasize that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy.
Use calming language and avoid phrases that may make the child anxious or scared, such as “it won’t hurt” or “don’t be afraid.”
Keep explanations simple and age-appropriate, and encourage the child to ask questions.
Consider using books, or other resources to help explain what happens during a dental visit.
You may also consider to say that your child may be allowed to sit on that chair for a while. Tell them that we are also going to take a look in his or her mouth, just like with yourself. Stimulate curiosity.
