How a Kid Friendly Dentist Deals with Dental Anxiety
Children are typically nervous during their first dental visit. A kid-friendly dentist can help children remain calm and relaxed during the visit by creating an environment that is friendly. They can also use special methods to keep them comfortable, such as allowing the child to listen to their favorite music or having their parent sit next to them during treatment.
Dealing with dental anxiety: Methods a kid-friendly dentist may use
Every kid-friendly dentist has its own methods for keeping children calm. Each will treat each child in a unique way based on what works specifically for them. However, there are popular methods that many use. The following are several ways a kid-friendly dentist can deal with dental anxiety in children during their visit.
Listen to music during treatment
One way a kid-friendly dentist may help a child deal with their dental anxiety is through the power of distraction. Some dentists may allow the child to listen to music during certain procedures. Of course, this could be substituted with listening to their favorite show. They may also use the power of distraction before they are officially in the chair by allowing them to watch a show on TV, play with a game or coloring book, and in other ways.
Create a system of hand signals
Dental anxiety is often made worse if the child feels like they do not have any control over the situation. One way a kid-friendly dentist helps children feel in control is by creating hand signals for the child to use during a treatment procedure to let the dentist or hygienist know that something is not wrong. The dental staff can allow the patient a short break if they begin to feel overwhelmed at any point.
Help them to relax and open up
Children are much more willing to relax and open up in an area that is designed for them. Kid-friendly dentists often have a welcoming staff, play areas, and more to help children feel comfortable. Also, kid-friendly dentist offices typically have other children patients in at the same time, which helps to make them feel more comfortable when they see others there that are their same age.
Allow their parent to sit beside them
It may also help if parents sit beside their child during treatment. This gives the child a familiar face to look to if they begin to feel anxious.
Utilize nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Nitrous oxide may be available to children depending on their age and the type of procedure being performed. This is often effective in safely dealing with dental anxiety when other solutions do not work.
Consult with our dental team to schedule a kid-friendly visit
If your child has dental anxiety then it is important to choose a kid-friendly dentist that has experience treating children. Here at our practice, we take pride in helping children remain comfortable and in control during each dental visit. Call us or send us a message today to schedule a visit.
Request an appointment here: https://needhamdentistry.com or call Needham Dentistry & Implants at (781) 429-3080 for an appointment in our Needham office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist in Needham, MA.
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