How to Help a Child With Extreme Dentist Fears

One of the most difficult things a parent must face when raising their children is just getting them to sit still. You take that challenge and mix it with the idea of a doctor putting instruments and hands in their mouth and you have an epic undertaking. Many children are terrified of visiting the dentist. As a parent or dentist you must handle a child's fears carefully.

Things You'll Need

• Nitrous Oxide

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Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your child about what to expect at the dentist. Answer their questions the best you can. If you don't know the answer, don't fudge it, let the professional handle the more complicated questions. Explain the necessity of visiting the dentist and the importance of good dental hygiene. If you have had an unpleasant experience with the dentist do yourself a favor and don't tell your child. A child's imagination is able to wander enough without you planting fresh ideas in her head.

• 2

  Stick with the same dentist if at all possible. Allowing your child to regularly visit the same dentist will allow them to develop a trusting relationship with the dentist. This will psychologically go a long way in easing their stress related to going to the dentist.

• 3

  Schedule your child's appointments for the late morning so that they are well rested. If you schedule it for the late afternoon, you run the risk of your child being tired from the day. If you schedule it for the early morning they may not be fully awake. The less tired your child is the better he will be able to cope with the stress of going to the dentist.

• 4

  Talk to your child's dentist about sedation if all other strategies fail. Many dentists use different kinds of sedation like "laughing gas" (nitrous oxide) for patients who just can't handle the stress being in the chair. They might have serious phobias or anxiety issues and sedation could be their only option. Some patients even opt to be put under anesthesia for procedures.