How a Kid Friendly Dentist Deals with Dental Anxiety

Kid Friendly Dentist Washington, DC

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://www.spadentalgroupdc.com or call SPA Dental Group DC at (202) 407-9665 for an appointment in our Washington office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist in Washington, DC.

Related Posts

What An Emergency Dentist Can Do For You

An emergency dentist provides the urgent dental care you need when you need it. Minor dental issues like cavities do not get significantly worse if they are not treated immediately, but issues like an infection can become a life-threatening issue during that period. People who cannot afford to wait for a routine dental appointment to…

Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Require Invasive Surgery?

In modern society, it is almost a rite of passage to have a wisdom tooth extraction as a young adult. Wisdom teeth, the final, permanent molars located in the very back of the mouth, can actually cause problems for many patients if they are not removed. Fortunately, in most cases, the procedure is minimally invasive…

What A Complete Health Dentist Focuses On

A complete health dentist emphasizes the relationship between oral health and general health. These dentists provide treatment that acknowledges oral health’s effect on the body. They do not just treat dental issues. These dentists also help patients make decisions about their general health. Keep reading to find out more about complete health dentistry.Complete health dentistry…

Does A Tooth Filling Hurt?

When a tooth develops a cavity, a tooth filling will be required to repair the tooth and restore its function and appearance. Since tooth pain is often the first sign of a cavity, it is normal for patients to be worried about what they will feel during the filling procedure. This article focuses on what…