Our values and goals at myKIDSdds are to surround your children with an environment of fun, safety and trust. We want to share some ideas on how to support those goals while respecting the uniqueness of your child.
Top three dental fears for children:
Fear of a new environment
It is common for children to have initial anxiety at an office to which they have never been. The sights and sounds should be reflective of putting them at ease. Looking for an office with fun colors and play areas that help them feel as if they are going for a playdate adds to their comfort. Having them bring one of their favorite toys or “lovey” can help your child feel secure or connected with something familiar. The hygienist can let the “lovey” go first, showing them what is going to happen and letting the child participate as an assistant.
The mouth is a very personal space requiring trust to allow a dental professional to cross that barrier. Children need time and consistently positive encounters to build trust in the dental office. This is achieved at different ages as all have their own sensitivities and life experiences that are unique. Some have had difficult medical procedures, hospitalizations or negative previous dental appointments. Patience and customizing the visit for each child is critical for success. Choosing a team who listens and respects their individual boundaries adds to a favorable outcome.
Fear of pain or discomfort
For the children who are a bit older and can voice their feelings, the common questions are “Is it going to hurt?” or “Am I going to get a shot?” This is not a surprise as most of their “check up” visits with their pediatricians are remembered as the vaccinations or blood tests they received. Stay upbeat by telling them what you believe for sure is going to happen while showing confidence in the skills of the office team to listen and explain things professionally. If the person bringing the child has their own dental anxiety, it is best to not share that with the child. We would suggest that your children should have the opportunity to establish their own story as our team works their magic to create positive memories.
Fear of the unknown … What are they going to do?
Painting a comforting image in your child’s mind about things they can expect helps to calm fears; talking about how the hygienist is going to brush their teeth to make them sparkly and then count their teeth to see how many they have. Play dentist at home by having your child put their head in your lap as you brush/floss their teeth with a headlamp on your head. Then reverse the roles to give them a turn. They will be asked to lie down for their dental exams, so practicing at home normalizes the potentially vulnerable feeling of that position. When they are two to three, you could tell them about the special “X-ray “ pictures and how the dentist checks to make sure their teeth are strong and healthy.
If there is a procedure needed that goes beyond their routine checkup, it is better to keep things simple and allow the dentist to elaborate.
Read more tips to help your kids feel comfortable at the dentist!
Our dental team has years of experience working with children and is well trained to communicate with them about any treatment. They know how important timing and kid-friendly terms are to help keep anxiety low. You can confidently place your trust in myKIDSdds to care for your child with the compassion they feel toward their own children!
Healthy Smile, Healthy Child
Of course, a beautiful smile begins with a healthy smile. Our team will help your child achieve good oral hygiene through regular cleanings and one-on-one education. Your little one will receive an oral hygiene score and coaching each time they visit us for a cleaning, cultivating a sense of responsibility and accomplishment while also building their confidence each time they improve their score. Don’t forget, a clean mouth promotes total body health and wellness too! This is why our doctors will screen for airway issues and talk about nutrition, eating habits, and much more. We want our patients to be empowered by the knowledge we provide to them on the health of their facial complex and how it relates to their overall systemic health. We are excited to partner with you throughout your child’s pediatric dental journey into orthodontics, and beyond!
