Helping Kids Overcome a Fear of Dentistry

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Most parents don’t worry about how their kids will react to a dental visit until it’s too late (and a
phobia has already formed). Or perhaps they consider the possibility, but feel that there’s no reason
to raise the issue until there is actually a problem. However, this is a rather shortsighted position
considering how many children (and even adults) seem to harbor a fear of dentistry. So it behooves you
to approach the situation proactively by finding ways to prepare your kids for impending dental visits so
that they aren’t alarmed when they arrive and the poking and prodding starts. Here are just a few steps
that every parent can take to lessen the possibility of dentophobia.

1. Find a pediatric dentist. The first step is really to find a fantastic dentist that has experience
working with kids. Children may be especially afraid of the dentist for a number of reasons that
their parents don’t understand. Think about it; they’re forced to lie in a chair while someone
in a mask and creepy specs forces their mouth open and pokes around with pointy, metal
instruments. Add in the sounds of the drill (or other upset patients), the smell of disinfectant,
and the awful taste of various cleansers and rinses and it’s no wonder kids freak out. A pediatric
dentist understands these concerns and compensates in a variety of ways so that your kids will

be as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

2. Have a consultation. Set up a consultation with any dentist you’re considering taking your
kids to for your own benefit and that of your children. You can discuss concerns about dental
phobias (and how to avoid them) and your kids have a chance to look over the office, the
instruments, and the actual dentist before ever having to get in the chair.

3. Let them watch. Many dentists will allow kids to watch a procedure so that they can get a first-
hand look at the treatments they will undergo. If you have an older child that harbors no fear of
the dentist, simply have younger kids sit in to watch a cleaning. Or see if you can do the honors
by taking your turn in the chair while your children look on and ask questions. The idea here
is to reassure them that the procedures are simple and pain-free so that they have absolutely
nothing to fear.

4. Encourage dialogue. A good dentist will always encourage kids to ask questions and voice their
fears, so make sure that any medical professional you choose has this policy. Sometimes just
talking things through with honesty and compassion is enough to assuage the irrational fears
that kids sometimes build up.

5. Consider medication. Although you may be a little hesitant to dope your child in order to help
a dental visit go smoothly, it’s not as though you’re putting them under (unless the process
they’re undergoing is wisdom tooth removal). There are several options that will help to take
the edge off for kids that are anxious, so talk to your dentist and/or pediatrician about the pros
and cons of laughing gas, sedatives, or possibly even anti-anxiety medication. In a pinch, a small
dose of Benadryl may do the trick, although you should definitely discuss any medication with
your doctor beforehand.