Does your child feel as though the dentist is scary? If so, there are ways you can talk to them and prove that they have nothing to fear.

Why Do Children Have Dental Anxiety and Fear?

It is very common for children to feel anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist. As a parent, it is helpful to understand the underlying causes behind this distress. This will help you properly address your child's concerns.

Lack of Understanding

Children don't always have a clear grasp of what happens during a dental visit. They also don't understand why specific dental procedures like laser dentistry are necessary. Without the facts, it's easy for their imagination to take over.

A child conjures vivid images of scary dental instruments, physical discomfort, or other uncertainties. They may even envision extreme scenarios like getting injured or having a tooth pulled without need.

Talking through the realities of dental care in simple, clear language is key. It can help provide the insight they lack and ease that anxiety of the unknown.

Learned Behavior

Children naturally look to the adults around them to gauge how to think and feel in new situations. If parents seem nervous about an upcoming dental appointment or frequently complain about painful past experiences, a child is likely to soak up that negativity. They may become convinced that a visit to the dentist must be a distressing event before ever setting foot in the dental office.

As a parent, strive to model positive behavior instead through your words and actions. Highlight how visiting the dentist is important for healthy teeth while keeping the mood light.

If you have your own dental fears, work through this anxiety out of sight of your child. They'll follow your reassuring lead.

Lack of Control

Being put in an unfamiliar environment with new smells, sights, people, and procedures can be unsettling for both children and adults. However, kids have the added challenge of having to comply with a figure of authority they don't know well yet in the dentist. The sense that they are not in control or empowered to make choices may cause anxiety.

Giving children even small measures of autonomy wherever possible helps mitigate this anxiety. Something as simple as allowing them to pick their favorite toothbrush color or prize out of the treasure box after treatment can make a difference.

Past Painful Experiences

Dental anxiety also often results from one or more significantly bad experiences with pediatric dentistry. Undergoing an intense procedure like a tooth extraction can shape perceptions at a young age. This can make children fearful of any future visits to dental offices.

A pediatric specialist can help overcome painful dental experiences. The right dentist will ensure your child's comfort comes first during any necessary procedures.

Dental anxiety can manifest in different ways depending on the age and personality of your child. Some of the signs and symptoms of dental anxiety are:

• Avoiding conversations about the dentist
• Trouble sleeping before the dental appointment
• Upset stomach or headaches beforehand
• Crying or tantrums when it is time to leave for the dentist
• Body tenseness or shaking during the visit
• Reluctance to open mouth for cleaning and procedures

If you notice multiple or intense symptoms over multiple visits, consider taking action to ease their dental fears.

How to Talk to Your Child About Dental Anxiety

The way you talk to your child about dental anxiety can make a big difference in how they cope with it. As a parent, your communication approach before, during, and after dental appointments sets the foundation.

Listen First, Explain Second

Start by allowing your child to voice what seems scary about the dentist without judgment. Pay attention to both direct statements as well as body language that may indicate anxiety. Once your child feels heard and understood, you can provide targeted explanations and reassurance.

For example, if they are afraid of dental tools hurting them, explain that they will feel some pressure, but any discomfort is brief. Continue an open dialogue after visits as well, answering any lingering questions.

Use Creative Education Methods

Simply telling an anxious child to "not worry" rarely helps. Instead, get creative with education methods to transform perception.

Many pediatric dental offices provide child-friendly pamphlets, videos, and visual demonstration tools. Read through these together to spotlight how dental visits focus on cleaning and protecting their smile.

Model Positive Behavior

Children naturally look to parents and authority figures for appropriate reactions. Be mindful of your verbal and non-verbal communications regarding dentistry, even if you have dental phobias.

Highlight the benefits of pediatric dental care for health while keeping the mood light before and after appointments. Your reassuring confidence will influence your child to let down their guard over time.

Provide Options Where Possible

Giving anxious children some measures of control helps limit feelings of powerlessness that feed fear. Discuss options with your pediatric specialist, like allowing your child to choose their favorite flavored polish.



After an appointment, let them select a small reward like stickers or a toy to celebrate their bravery. These choices encourage continued cooperation.

Does Your Child Find the Dentist Scary? We Can Help.

Dental anxiety is a common problem among children, but it doesn't have to stop them from getting the dental care they need. By discussing dental anxiety positively and supportively with your child, you can help them overcome the fear of finding the dentist scary.



If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Lutz, FL, to help your child with dental anxiety, look no further than Dental Studio 4 Kids. Our team is committed to making dentistry a positive and enjoyable experience for your child. Schedule an appointment today to get started!