 enough stickers, they can trade them in for a small toy.
Be There for Them
Simply having a parent present during the procedure or demonstration can work wonders for a child’s anxiety. Hold their hand, keep talking to them, even if they can’t respond verbally, and keep everything light and calm.
It’s important to slowly wean them off of your presence as they get older. After a few visits, stay outside of the room, and tell the dentist to call for you as soon as your child seems visibly anxious and requests for you to reenter. Keep up that routine until you’re able to spend the whole visit in the lobby. Remember to implement positive reinforcement throughout the process.
Only Visit Family-Oriented or Pediatric Dentists
Most dentists can work with children without many problems, but family-oriented and pediatric offices specifically tailor to children. They have bright and colorful offices, with plenty of children around to make your child seem less alone in their experience, and the dentists and hygienists know just how to talk to anxious children to make the more comfortable.
Dental anxiety in children is quite common, but also easily manageable. With these techniques, some patience, and a gentle approach, you can help significantly decrease or even eliminate your child’s dental anxiety over time.