Categories: Pediatric Dentist

How Does a Pediatric Dentist Calm Down a Fearful Child?

It is normal for children to be a little fearful and anxious when visiting a pediatric dentist. This anxiety could be from general nervousness or the memory of previous experiences. No matter the reason, there are dentists who practice techniques and methods to help keep children calm and make the experience more comfortable for them.

Tips a pediatric dentist uses to calm patients

Parents know how a dental appointment can cause emotional stress in children, and the trick is finding a dentist who knows how to soothe those fears. Anxious children can squirm in the chair, scream or cry, all of which can make treatment difficult. However, there are a handful of things a pediatric dentist can do to help put children at ease during a visit.

1. A calm environment

Often, the first thing a dental office does is create a calm, stress-free and friendly environment. This starts at the front desk and waiting area. Furnishing a children's area with toys, games and child-friendly shows on the television can help keep children distracted while waiting for the dentist. The exam room should also have peaceful influences.

2. Kid-friendly language

Many times, a dentist may turn ordinary procedures into kid-friendly ones by changing the words. For example, instead of calling it a suction tool, the pediatric dentist may give it a cute name and say it is a slurpy straw. The water sprayer can also become a squirt gun. This helps keep children relaxed rather than nervous. It may even make children laugh and relax, which can make the treatment easier for everyone.

3. Clear explanations

Sometimes, the fear comes from not understanding what is about to happen. A good dentist can walk children through the steps of the appointment to reduce stress. Children are naturally curious, so explaining everything takes advantage of this curiosity and lets children ease into the appointment.

For example, the suction tool can make a loud and strange noise when placed in the mouth, but the pediatric dentist can explain how it works. Sometimes this means showing the child how it works with a cup of water to demonstrate how it is nothing to worry about.

4. Sedation and general anesthesia

As a last measure, sedation might be used. If none of the other methods work or a major procedure needs to be performed but the child is too anxious, sedation dentistry may be the most viable option. Child-friendly language can be used to call it sleepy juice or silly air depending on whether a shot or gas is used as the sedative.

However, smaller procedures and even cleanings can use general anesthesia. This can help children not experience any pain or discomfort. With this method, patients may not even sense the work performed, which can help them feel at ease.

Conclusion

Although dental anxiety is something many people deal with, a pediatric dentist can help children feel more comfortable during visits by using techniques that have their interests at heart. Keep these tips in mind during your child’s next visit or for when you are looking for a good dentist for children.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How A Kid-Friendly Dentist Can Help With Toothaches

A kid-friendly dentist can treat a plethora of oral health concerns, including toothaches. Understanding the methods a kid-friendly dentist uses to diagnose the underlying cause of a toothache and promptly treat it can help patients feel more comfortable about the visit. Kid-friendly dentists also help with toothache prevention, effectively improving the way children view the…

How A Kid-Friendly Dentist Helps To Establish Good Oral Hygiene

A kid-friendly dentist can treat a range of oral health concerns. However, their primary focus is helping children prevent oral health concerns from developing through good oral hygiene at home. This includes offering educational services to ensure parents and children have all of the information they need to keep a consistent oral care routine and…

How To Find A Kid Friendly Dentist

Finding a reputable kid-friendly dentist is important. Parents can ensure they find the right dentist by planning properly and following useful tips such as considering references, scheduling a consultation, and understanding oral care needs.The experience that children have with dentists can have a lasting impact. It is important to take every step possible to find…

When To See A Kid Friendly Dentist

Parents are encouraged to take their child to a pediatric dentist by their child’s first birthday. There are other signs that indicate a need to see a kid-friendly dentist, as well. This review discusses when to see a dentist, which helps ensure that children receive the care they need to maintain a healthy smile.Similar to…

Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry

Share
Published by
Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry

Recent Posts

How a Kid-Friendly Dentist Can Help with Toothaches

A kid-friendly dentist can treat a plethora of oral health concerns, including toothaches. Understanding the…

6 days ago

How a Kid-Friendly Dentist Helps To Establish Good Oral Hygiene

A kid-friendly dentist can treat a range of oral health concerns. However, their primary focus…

1 week ago

How To Find a Kid Friendly Dentist

Finding a reputable kid-friendly dentist is important. Parents can ensure they find the right dentist…

2 weeks ago

When to See a Kid Friendly Dentist

Parents are encouraged to take their child to a pediatric dentist by their child’s first…

2 weeks ago

What To Expect When Visiting a Kid-Friendly Dentist

A kid-friendly dentist offers specialized care for children of all ages. During a visit with…

3 weeks ago

First-Time Visit to a Pediatric Dentist: A Parent’s Guide

Here is a guide for parents before they take a child to their first appointment…

3 weeks ago