Going to an orthodontist can make most kids feel scared or anxious. This has something to do with the unfamiliar setting, strange tools and the fear of pain.
The fact that your child develops anxiety during orthodontist visits can be a major concern. You will need to handle your kid’s dental anxiety during an orthodontic check-up to make them feel at ease.
This post will provide child-friendly solutions for your child’s dental anxiety to make visits more comfortable and less stressful when you see your child’s orthodontist.
What Is Dental Anxiety in Paediatric Dentistry?
A study showed a prevalence of dental fear and anxiety in children between the ages of seven and nine. What they fear is associated with the potential pain they might experience, dental instruments, sounds and the environment.
Dental anxiety in paediatric dentistry can hinder children from receiving necessary dental care. It affects their willingness to engage in dental practices that impact their oral health. As orthodontic treatments require regular and prolonged visits accompanied by discomfort during adjustments, it can intensify their anxiety, which might lead to refusal or discontinuation.
12 Strategies for Helping a Child with Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety potentially impacts your child’s life. Aside from the direct impact on oral health due to avoidance of dental care, it can cause intense feelings of fear and stress. Cognitively, this leads to an inability to concentrate on daily tasks or disrupts learning due to preoccupation with dental concerns.
There are proven methods to handle your child’s anxiety when they visit their orthodontists. These strategies involve preparing your child, identifying triggers and connecting with your child to make visits to your kid’s orthodontist less stressful and more comfortable.
1. Prepare Your Child in Advance
Preparing your child in advance is an initial step to make them knowledgeable about the orthodontic visit, eliminating the fear of what they don’t know with the new experience. Inform your child about the upcoming visit, and explain what will happen during their appointment.
2. Help Your Child Manage Their Fear
Helping your child manage their fear is an essential step in controlling dental anxiety. You can assist them by teaching techniques such as deep breathing, visualization and muscle relaxation to help them relax during the visit.
3. Identify Anxiety Triggers and Signs
Be attentive to your child’s behaviours and pay attention to what triggers their anxiety, which could be a sound or an object in your kid’s orthodontist’s office. Signs your child is experiencing dental anxiety include:
- Sweating
- Palpitation
- Rapid breathing
- Crying or signs of panic
- Avoidance behaviours
4. Practise Relaxation Techniques Together
When you notice that your child is experiencing anxiety, practice relaxation techniques together, like deep breathing. A progressive muscle relaxation technique also helps by having your child tense and relax different muscles in their body.
5. Choose a Paediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists are skilled in treating children and making them feel comfortable. They have experience dealing with dental anxiety and know how to create a calm environment for your child.
6. Teach Your Child How to Cope
Educate your child on how to cope with uncomfortable sensations they may experience during their orthodontic visit. For example, you can teach them to wiggle their toes or tap their fingers while in the chair to help distract and relax their mind.
7. Bring a Comfortable Object
Allow your child to bring a comfortable object from home, like a stuffed animal or their favourite toy, to hold during the visit. The familiar object provides a sense of security and comfort for your child when they feel something unusual or fearful.
8. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If your child’s dental anxiety is severe, consider seeking a professional. They are experts in providing specialized techniques and therapies to help your child overcome their fears.
9. Discuss Expectations
Before the appointment, discuss expectations with your child to let them know what will happen and what is expected of them during their visit. This can help reduce uncertainty and fear.
10. Involve the Child in Treatment Decisions
Involve your child in treatment decisions. Orthodontic treatment for kids includes braces and alternatives to braces like clear aligners (Invisalign). This helps them feel more in control and alleviates fear.
11. Celebrate Small Victories
Recognize and celebrate small victories with your child, such as sitting still for the entire appointment or completing a procedure without fear or crying, as these encourage them and build their confidence.
12. Connect with Your Child
It is important to connect with your child during their orthodontic visits by holding their hand, sitting next to them, or simply talking to them and offering words of encouragement. This connection makes them feel safe and supported during their visit.
The Role of Parents and Orthodontists in Managing Dental Anxiety
Parents and orthodontists ensure that visits to the kid’s orthodontist provide positive experiences for young patients. Parents build a foundation for a stress-free visit by adopting a calm and positive outcome. Orthodontists employ gentle approaches, exhibit patience, and use non-intimidating language, which are essential techniques in reducing anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Navigating dental anxiety in children requires a concerted effort from both parents and orthodontists to transform potentially tearful experiences into moments of cheer. Creating a positive and supportive environment to manage dental anxiety fosters a healthy relationship between young patients and their oral health care.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your child overcome their fears and receive necessary dental care without stress or anxiety. Remember to always stay patient, understanding and supportive throughout the process. Your child’s oral health is worth it! Visit an orthodontist in Sydney for your child’s journey to a healthy, beautiful smile.
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