It’s okay to be anxious.

Do you or your child have dentophobia (fear of the dentist), or anxiety about going to the dentist? It is more common than you think. According to Dentistry Today, about 20% of children between the ages of five and 19 have dental anxiety. While it is common, however, don’t allow your child’s fear to dictate when and if they head to the dentist.

Biannual dental evaluations are important for your child’s dental health. These evaluations allow the dentist to monitor the growth of your child’s jaw and their bite. The biannual dental evaluation also allows your dentist to find any dental issues before they become big problems, like cavities. At the office of Dr. Steven A. Lang, located in Middletown, Ohio, we want you and your child to be comfortable while experiencing high-quality dental care.

Why might my child be anxious about visiting the dentist?

Many times, a child is anxious because they can feel the fear radiating off others. In other words, if their parents have dental anxiety, your child is more likely to feel anxious about the dentist, too. To help your child get over this anxiety, talk about the importance of the dentist and how they are like a normal doctor but specialize in teeth. Seeing a dentist is good for their health, and can help them grow strong.

Another reason your child might be afraid of visiting the dentist is because of the fear of the unknown. They may not remember visiting the dentist, so they don’t know what to expect. Your child might also shy away from the dentist because of a bad experience. In either case, talk with your child about their fears, making sure to validate their feelings. Explain that it is okay to be unsure of what might happen at the dentist’s office, but it is okay to ask questions while at Dr. Lang’s office. We’re happy to explain what dental tools are, and how they will be used.

You can also ask for a tour of the dental office before your child’s appointment to allow them to get used to the sights and sounds of the dental office.

How can parents help out?

If your child is anxious about visiting the dentist, the best thing you can do is listen to their fears and anxieties. Explain that visiting the dentist twice a year is how a dentist makes sure your child’s teeth are strong and there are no issues with their teeth. During these talks, make sure the dentist is portrayed in a positive light, explaining that the dentist is there to make sure your child’s teeth are okay and that a visit to the dentist is for prevention.

If it helps your child, role-play what a trip to the dental office is like. You can demonstrate what it is like to lay back with their mouth open while you role-play as a dentist and check their teeth. If your child is more interested in videos, there are many choices online that show children what happens at a dental visit. There are also scores of books available at your local library that illustrate what a trip to a dentist is like.

How can my child prepare for their dental visit?

Besides keeping up with a proper oral health routine, there are a few things that children can do to help themselves be less anxious during a visit to the dentist. One of those is deep breathing exercises. Learning to control your body and stay calm through deep breathing is a skill that children can take with them throughout their lives.

If your child is still a little anxious about visiting a dentist, even after you’ve had discussions with them, allow them to bring a favorite stuffed animal, book, or toy to use as a distraction while they are in the dental chair.

Make Brushing Teeth Fun

To prepare your child for their biannual dental visits, make sure they are brushing their teeth at least twice a day and for a minimum of two minutes at a time, as well as flossing daily. To keep your children interested in oral health, you can make teeth brushing more engaging by singing toothbrushing songs, or even following a rewards chart to make sure they are brushing twice daily.

Don’t forget that children learn by example. Take the time to brush your teeth as a family. This can help children learn the proper way to brush their teeth and also reinforce that proper toothbrushing is an important skill to do each day.

Get ready to see Dr. Lang!

Once your child has learned how to cope with their anxiety, it is time to visit Middletown, Ohio’s own Dr. Lang for their biannual dental evaluation. If you haven’t made an appointment, schedule one today!