Does your child seem anxious or even fearful at the mere thought of going to the dentist? When little ones visit, the new sights, sounds, and smells can feel overwhelming, and a simple trip to the dentist can quickly become a highly emotional experience. At Floss Boss, Flemington, NJ, pediatric dentist Dr. Kruti Sanghavi specializes in helping children feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. So, book an appointment with our calm, kid-friendly dental team today. We look forward to coaching your child to become braver in the dentist’s office (and potentially in life).
Why is my kid scared of the dentist?
Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a significant pediatric dentistry challenge, impacting about 1 in 10 children. As parents and providers, it’s essential to understand that DFA is not a one-size-fits-all problem. Anxiety arises for many reasons, including:
- Shy personalities
- General anxiety
- Cognitive development
- A history of dental complications
- Parents exhibiting and passing down their dental anxiety behaviors
What should I do if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Many times, dental anxiety starts at home. Developing a fear of the unknown can feel unbearable for little ones. So, parents can combat this issue by bestowing appropriate knowledge and positive attitudes towards dentistry.
For instance, negative attitudes toward dentistry are almost everywhere. Kids see it on TV and Youtube. Sometimes, they even read it in books. But parents have the power to change this narrative by speaking positively about their own dental experiences and pediatric dentists. Kids learn by watching. So, becoming an advocate for dental health is a simple yet impactful way to flip the switch.
Along with positive attitudes, positive reinforcement is another method of encouraging good dental hygiene. While you might feel tempted to say, “if you don’t brush, you’ll get a cavity. Then, you must go to the dentist!” This implies that the pediatric dentist’s office is a punishment for their actions rather than a part of their wellness routine.
How can parents and dentists work together to help kids with dental anxiety?
At Floss Boss, reducing dental phobia is a cornerstone of our missing. Our Flemington pediatric dentist and her team aim to help your child look forward to dental visits. We accomplish this through behavior guidance and management, which starts with building a solid rapport.
While this might seem small, we don’t mind if your child brings their trusted comfort items, like blankets, dolls, or stuffed animals. Our pediatric dental team understands that these can significantly impact your child’s comfort and compliance.
Additionally, we provide other empathetic support services like tell-show-do, distraction, hypnosis, desensitization, and all forms of sedation dentistry. At your first visit to our Flemington, NJ, pediatric dentist office, we can work together to devise an individualized plan.
Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Flemington, NJ?
Dr. Sanghavi knows that anxious kids make anxious parents, and Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry in Flemington, NJ pulls out all the stops to ensure that children feel safe, heard, and happy. Conveniently book your next kids’ dental appointment online or call (908) 860-8913.
