National Health Education Week: Tips to Help Your Child with Dental Anxiety

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Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is essential to ensure that your child has a beautiful smile well into adulthood. Yet, roughly 20% of children experience dental anxiety. How do you teach your children proper oral care and take them to get the dental health care that they need when they are afraid to go to the dentist in Palm Harbor, FL? National Health Education Week presents an opportunity to delve into a few helpful suggestions for parents and dentists facing this challenge.

 

3 Proven Methods to Manage Dental Anxiety in Children

  1. Your child may exhibit dental anxiety because of a fear of the unknown. Our doctors utilize a tell-show-do method in which we first explain the procedure and what can be expected, including sights, smells, sounds, and tastes. Next, we show your child what the procedure looks like and then finally, we perform the treatment.
  2. Creating a relaxing environment is critical. We have found simple breathing techniques to be effective. For severe anxiety, sedation dentistry may be the solution. Our dentist in Palm Harbor, FL, offers oral sedation to provide a safe, yet effective level of comfort.
  3. An overactive imagination can sometimes be calmed with toys, music, movies, or conversation with their dentist in Palm Harbor, FL. These distractions can prevent fearful thoughts and alleviate anxiety.

 

When children are not afraid to visit the dentist, they are more likely to practice better oral care and seek treatment when needed, safeguarding dental health. For more information about pediatric dental anxiety or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dan Knellinger, Dr. Stacey Verkler, or Dr. Carol Bou-Sliman, call our office today.

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