Is your child afraid of the dentist? It is not uncommon. There are many different types of dental anxieties. The key to all of them is understanding. As long as both a child’s parents and dental team understand where the child is at, you can help your kids overcome their anxieties. Here at Dental Town Chicago, our 11 locations of dentists have helped countless kids with dental treatments from routine checkups and exams to fillings. We understand dental anxiety and have helped both parents and kids address it. Here are some tips on how to help with dental anxiety, and if you are looking for a great dental office in Chicago, feel free to contact one of our 11 locations for available appointments.
Choose A Dentist That Helps With Kids’ Dental Anxiety
First and foremost, the most important decision when addressing your children’s dental anxiety is what dentist you go to. Not all dentists specialize in working with kids, and not all dentists are great at helping kids who have anxiety. Choosing the right dental office can go a long way in providing a comfortable environment for your children. Moreover, positive dental visits can help encourage your kids to take care of their teeth in the future. Talk to your friends who have kids about what dentist they go to and how their kids feel. Additionally, check Google reviews and pay specific attention to reviews that mention how kids with dental anxiety felt at that dental office. While reviews can be hit or miss, there are often stories in the reviews that can give you insight into whether or not a dental office is good with kids.
Understanding Why Your Child Is Afraid of The Dentist
Fear usually has a root cause. Understanding the root cause makes it easier to address the fear or anxiety. For example, some kids feel uncomfortable at the dentist because it is unfamiliar. Not knowing what is going to happen next can cause a lot of anxiety. A great way to overcome this as a parent is to tell your kids the common steps of a dental check-up. A good dental team can also provide real-time instructions on what they are doing and why they are doing it. Another common fear for kids is the fear of having no control. Sitting in a dental chair with a stranger touching your teeth can be a bit overwhelming. Good dental teams will give kids an option like holding up a finger to let them know if they need to slow down and stop. Giving kids that level of control can help kids feel less overwhelmed during their visit. Finally, another reason kids might be afraid of the dentist is because of something they have heard. Let’s be honest, a lot of depictions of dentists in Saturday morning cartoons aren’t really pro-dentist. Your kids’ opinions can be influenced by what other kids have told them or what they have seen on TV. That is why it is important to remind kids that their dental team is there to help them.
Schedule A Kids’ Dental Appointment in Chicago
With 11 offices throughout the Chicagoland area, Dental Town Chicago has helped countless kids overcome their dental fears and anxieties. Moreover, our goal has always been to provide positive experiences that help kids feel encouraged and educated regarding their oral health. To set up an appointment with our team, please give one of our offices a call.