How to Ease Your Child’s Dental Anxiety and Fear

For many of us adults, the mere thought of a visit to the dentist is enough to fill us with fear, dread, and apprehension. You can imagine how much more heightened a child’s fear can be. However, caring for kids teeth cannot be a choice; it is a necessity.

Listed below are some things you can do to make your child’s dental visit less stressful and more enjoyable:

 

Where is the fear coming from?

The unfamiliar atmosphere, the feel of the metallic dental tools in their mouth, and the high-pitched noises of the suction and turbines can be scary. A previous traumatic experience with a dentist may also affect future visits.

Stories about a dentist visit told exaggeratedly by a sibling or friend can make children fearful of something as simple as a routine dental checkup. The prospect of being unable to breathe during the procedure, feeling pain, and being powerless to move once on the chair can cause anxiety in older children.

Top tips for managing dental fear and dental anxiety in kids

 Do not wait for a problem to arise. A dental checkup as early as six months of age is ideal because issues are rare. Your child becomes accustomed to having their gums and mouth examined by a stranger (the children’s dentist), and the visit is painless.

Allow your child to accompany you to your dental checkup or dental cleaning. Let your child observes you remaining calm and composed in the face of the instruments being placed in your mouth and the noises they make. They may conclude that those noises and devices will not harm them.

Regular checkups starting when your baby is less than a year old gets them used to visiting a children’s dentist to have their mouth examined and the instruments within a dental office.

Children do better with people they are familiar with and trust. So, Stick with the same children’s dentist as far as possible. Pediatric dentists know how to make a dental visit fun, painless, and stress-free for infants and children. Plus, they specialize in children’s dental problems and can keep an on your child’s teeth right from the start.

Don’t be afraid to answer your child’s questions about an upcoming visit. Keep it informative but not frightening. Suppose they ask what dental cleaning is like. In that case, you can tell them about your experience – how you were probably apprehensive at first but now appreciate that your teeth are clean/healthy.

Managing oral hygiene at home

 Caring for kids teeth from a young age means their dental visits will be less stressful. Encourage good dental habits from an early age, so they will find it easier to maintain good oral hygiene as they grow older. Begin teaching your child to brush their teeth at a young age.

Older children should be encouraged to floss regularly—show which foods are good for your teeth and which aren’t. Finally, set a good example. If your children see you brushing your teeth twice daily and avoiding sugary drinks, sodas, juices, and starchy foods, they will do the same.

 

 

Make your child’s dental visits pleasant. Caring for kids teeth from an early age and regular checkups with a children’s dentist can go a long way toward reducing a child’s fear of a dental visit. When explaining what to expect from a dental visit to your child, keep it positive and focus on the post-visit benefits, such as healthier gums and teeth, sparkling teeth after a dental cleaning, and so on.

Little Teeth are a Big Deal

Woodlawn Kids Dental weighs in on kids dental health. (Source: Parents, Kids Dental Health: Making Little Teeth a Big Deal, by Parents Editors, February 2, 2015, https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/everything-kids/kids-dental-health-making-little-teeth-a-big-deal/ ).

 

Whether you’re a parent or a guardian, having kids means you’re always busy, and it’s easy to overlook their dental health. There are many advantages to ‘catching them young’ and creating a schedule of dental checkups early on. “Optimal oral hygiene is great, but parents can get a clear idea about their kids’ oral health needs and risk levels only through dentist visits,” says Woodlawn Kids Dental.

Establish a dental home by your child’s first birthday

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry highly recommends a dental home, an early relationship between the parent, child, and dentist by age one. According to the AAPD, first dental visits are educational, providing parents with tips and tools on kids’ oral care for healthy smiles. Moreover, your child will grow accustomed to the dentist’s chair and understand that going to the dentist’s office is nothing to be afraid of. “Dental anxiety affects kids and adults alike. Establishing a dental home by age one paves the path for positive dental visits in the future,” advises Woodlawn Kids Dental. A children’s dentist is highly recommended because they focus on children’s unique and special needs. They provide gentle care and make your child comfortable during their dental checkups.

Avoid missing early signs of tooth decay

Cavities are common in children. The AAPD finds that by age five, at least 60% of kids have had at least one cavity. Paying good care to your kids’ oral care and limiting their intake of sugary drinks and snacks go far but don’t guarantee that your children will be cavity-free. Cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted to children from their mothers and other children. Suppose your child chews on a toy that another kid with an untreated cavity may have had in their mouth. In that case, there’s a chance of bacteria-causing cavities colonizing your child’s mouth and causing decay.

“Busy families can easily miss early signs of tooth decay,” says Woodlawn Kids Dental. “Say no way to tooth decay with timely oral care from a professional.”

Preventing cavities by following the dentist’s advice will save your child from dental pain, which can make chewing and talking difficult. They won’t have to suffer poor sleep, upset tummies, or trouble playing and learning. By giving your kids oral health due attention early on, you will be helping their development, quality of life, and happiness.

Partner with a good children’s dentist

A pediatric dentist can be counted on to establish strong oral care and dental habits as your child grows. Find a children’s dentist near you. Check the reviews received by the dentist regarding the quality of kids oral care and the rapport they establish with their toddler clients. Visiting a dentist who delights kids with dental goodie bags is always fun. Your child will likely be more receptive to someone who makes them feel special. As the relationship grows, they will both appreciate and follow the kids oral health advice their dentist shares.

You’re an equal partner in your child’s oral health. Making time for regular dental checkups is the single most crucial action you can take. “Outside of a good oral care routine for your kids, a dental home will set the stage for good oral health care throughout their lifetime,” says Woodlawn Kids Dental.

Why Would My Child Need a Tooth Extraction?

Most parents think that their child’s teeth will naturally fall out and will give way to the growth of adult teeth. This happens most of the time, but there are times when your child needs to get their tooth extracted. When does this happen? Let’s read on to learn more!

 

When Is Child Tooth Extraction Recommended?

Child tooth extraction is recommended by a dentist when the baby’s tooth experiences decay and is beyond repair. Also, in the case of a trauma, injury, or fractured tooth that is severely damaged and is beyond repair qualifies for a tooth extraction. Overcrowding of baby’s teeth, causing hindrance in the development of adult teeth, is another scenario when tooth extraction is required.

Here’s a detailed explanation of the reasons for a child’s tooth extraction.

Top Reasons for Tooth Extraction for Kids

 

Wisdom Teeth and Overcrowding

Typically, wisdom teeth come when the child is in their teens. They are also known as third molars. Wisdom teeth removal is done when the teeth get infected or becomes painful. Sometimes wisdom teeth get stuck in the jaw, and this causes significant discomfort. In such situations, wisdom teeth removal is necessary. For wisdom teeth removal, a surgical procedure is done under the influence of local anesthesia.

Sometimes a tooth may crowd your child’s mouth or block the way for the formation of new teeth. In such cases, the crowded teeth must be extracted to let the other teeth move correctly. Remember, tooth extraction for kids is as safe as extracting an adult tooth. Therefore, there is no need to worry when the child’s teeth are removed.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

Dental cavities are holes developed in the tooth’s enamel caused by bacteria from consuming sugary items, and oral hygiene is not performed thoroughly or regularly. These cavities cause many issues, and if treatment options cannot be administered, the following solution is extracting the tooth.

Parents need to look after their kids oral care to prevent tooth decay and cavities from developing in the mouths of the little ones. Healthy kids oral care means teaching children to brush and floss regularly. Oral care also includes routine dental exams and professional dental cleanings.

Delayed Baby Tooth Fallout

Generally, a baby’s tooth falls out between the ages of 6 and 12. Sometimes the fallout is delayed; in such cases, a dentist recommends removing the tooth. One of the common reasons behind the delay can be cavities.

If parents ignore the problem, the cavities can severely affect the jawline and, as a result, prevent the growth of adult teeth. Therefore, if you sense that your kid’s baby tooth is not falling as expected, visit a dentist. The dentist may recommend the extraction of the baby’s tooth.

 

 

A child’s teeth naturally fall out at a certain age to give way to the formation of adult teeth. However, sometimes the teeth don’t fall out for various reasons like dental trauma or injury, cavities, teeth crowding, etc. In such situations, you need to go to a dentist and get your child’s tooth or teeth extracted. Contact Woodlawn Kids Dental today for more information.

Oral Health Tips for Ages 6 Months Old to 3 Years Old

Kids oral care differs at each stage of childhood, and the sooner you begin caring for your child’s teeth, the healthier they will be. You don’t have to wait for your baby’s first teeth to appear to begin caring for their teeth. Here are some oral health tips you can start with your baby as early as six months old.

 

Oral care during the teething phase

Most children have 20 baby teeth that appear around six months. The lower central incisors emerge between the ages of four and seven months. The final teeth, the second upper and lower molars appear between 2 and 3 years old.

The best time to see a children’s dentist is when the first tooth appears or by 12 months of age, whichever comes first. Dentists recommend that children have regular dental check-ups every six to 12 months.

How to clean infants during the teething phase:

  • Clean your baby’s gums after feeding. Cradle them in one arm and use your free hand to clean them.
  • Wrap a soft, moist washcloth around your index finger and gently massage the gums.
  • Do not allow your baby to go to sleep with a bottle.

Oral health tips for six months to three years old

When your child’s first tooth appears, switch to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush without toothpaste. Continue to massage the gums. Brush your baby’s teeth and gums twice daily for no more than two minutes. Consult with your doctor about fluoride supplements for your child.

Make healthy eating choices for your baby, and avoid giving them sugary and sticky foods.

When your child is old enough to spit, put a pea-sized amount of children’s toothpaste on their toothbrush. If you use fluoridated toothpaste, don’t encourage them to rinse their mouth with water too much after brushing to ensure the fluoride continues protecting their teeth.

Flossing is vital once all your child’s teeth have erupted, grown out, and begun to touch each other.

 

Concerns and care

Tooth decay

Tooth decay can begin even before the first tooth erupts. Keeping sugar consumption to the bare minimum throughout your child’s development can help prevent tooth decay.

Delayed tooth eruption

Delayed tooth eruptions can cause difficulty eating nutritious and well–balanced meals. If your child’s teeth don’t erupt, it’s crucial that they are monitored with regular dental exams. The problem could be a sign of potential dental issues or a medical condition.

Pacifiers and thumb sucking

Babies use pacifiers and thumb-sucking to soothe themselves. But they can lead to dental problems like misaligned teeth and jaw and palate problems. The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends starting to wean your child off their pacifier – even orthopedic pacifiers by 12 months of age. The recommended way to accomplish this is to reduce your child’s pacifier access gradually.

Bottles while sleeping

This bad habit should never be encouraged in the first place. Babies who sleep with a bottle produce less saliva to protect their teeth while they sleep. Furthermore, this practice can result in rapid tooth decay. Make the transition easier by providing a Sippy cup instead of a bottle before bedtime. A warm bath and a bedtime story can help them gradually forget about their bottle.

 

The earlier you start your kids oral care, the healthier their gums and teeth will be. Starting young can also help them develop a positive attitude toward oral hygiene. Finally, regular dental visits with a children’s dentist are necessary to monitor your baby’s oral health throughout childhood.