Jacksonville FL dentist Dr. Joel David and his team know that it is not unusual for children to fear going to the dentist. The practice of David & Associates, where patients receive comprehensive dental care from oral hygiene to orthodontics to cosmetics, strives to serve families and takes into consideration even the youngest family members. Those seeking a family dentist in Jacksonville FL will be pleased to find that David & Associates gives special consideration to its pediatric patients.
Why some children fear the dentist
Young children who have never been to the dentist before may worry because they don’t know what to expect. They may perceive the chair, the dental tools, the staff wearing gloves and masks as intimidating and threatening. Older children may base their fears on what peers have reported, or on previous poor experiences.
Parents, also, without realizing it, can instill fear of the dentist in a child. Children are always watching their parents’ reactions to people and events and gauging their responses accordingly. If a parent expresses negativity about receiving dental care, whether through words or non-verbal behavior, the child will pick up on it. A kid may then internalize what he or she has learned from the parent: To fear going to the dentist.
In general, children have two primary concerns. They harbor anxiety over what will happen next, often blowing up their expectations into unrealistic scenarios, and they worry that dental procedures will cause them pain. Application of force and coercion, rather than information and understanding, only exacerbates the child’s fright and, sometimes, panic.
Helping a child overcome fear of the dentist
While this resistance to dental care causes frustration for parents, it can be overcome. The first step is for parents to self-monitor and make sure they are providing positive cues about the dentist’s office. Starting visits for routine cleanings at an early age helps prevent development of fears, as well. Talk about the upcoming dentist appointment in non-threatening terms. There is no need to go into detail, but never surprise a fearful child with a dentist appointment.
If the child is old enough, invite him or her to observe your dental appointment. Ask the dentist to explain what he is doing and to let your child sit in the chair, look at the tools and ask questions. The process of desensitizing a child by letting him or her ‘explore’ the dentist office and/or watch a parent or sibling receive care prior to an appointment can help alleviate nagging uncertainties.
Furthermore, giving a child a sense of control at the outset can be very beneficial. Allowing the patient to signal with a lifted finger or a blink of the eyes that he or she needs a brief break goes a long way in building confidence and trust between patient and doctor. Topical anesthetic and, in more extreme cases, sedation dentistry enable a truly terrified youngster to manage the experience. With each successful visit, the need for these interventions should become less and less.
Finding the right dentist is vitally important. Whether seeking a dentist in Jacksonville FL or another city, take your child to a kid-friendly office. Dr. Joel David is a Jacksonville FL dentist who appreciates the importance of helping children feel at ease in the dentist chair. He and his team at David & Associates have created a relaxing spa-like atmosphere. Each room is outfitted with a television to aid in distracting the child from the procedure. They use equipment specially designed for pediatric patients. As your child grows more comfortable in their care, fears will be replaced with a beautiful smile.
Why some children fear the dentist
Young children who have never been to the dentist before may worry because they don’t know what to expect. They may perceive the chair, the dental tools, the staff wearing gloves and masks as intimidating and threatening. Older children may base their fears on what peers have reported, or on previous poor experiences.
Parents, also, without realizing it, can instill fear of the dentist in a child. Children are always watching their parents’ reactions to people and events and gauging their responses accordingly. If a parent expresses negativity about receiving dental care, whether through words or non-verbal behavior, the child will pick up on it. A kid may then internalize what he or she has learned from the parent: To fear going to the dentist.
In general, children have two primary concerns. They harbor anxiety over what will happen next, often blowing up their expectations into unrealistic scenarios, and they worry that dental procedures will cause them pain. Application of force and coercion, rather than information and understanding, only exacerbates the child’s fright and, sometimes, panic.
Helping a child overcome fear of the dentist
While this resistance to dental care causes frustration for parents, it can be overcome. The first step is for parents to self-monitor and make sure they are providing positive cues about the dentist’s office. Starting visits for routine cleanings at an early age helps prevent development of fears, as well. Talk about the upcoming dentist appointment in non-threatening terms. There is no need to go into detail, but never surprise a fearful child with a dentist appointment.
If the child is old enough, invite him or her to observe your dental appointment. Ask the dentist to explain what he is doing and to let your child sit in the chair, look at the tools and ask questions. The process of desensitizing a child by letting him or her ‘explore’ the dentist office and/or watch a parent or sibling receive care prior to an appointment can help alleviate nagging uncertainties.
Furthermore, giving a child a sense of control at the outset can be very beneficial. Allowing the patient to signal with a lifted finger or a blink of the eyes that he or she needs a brief break goes a long way in building confidence and trust between patient and doctor. Topical anesthetic and, in more extreme cases, sedation dentistry enable a truly terrified youngster to manage the experience. With each successful visit, the need for these interventions should become less and less.
Finding the right dentist is vitally important. Whether seeking a dentist in Jacksonville FL or another city, take your child to a kid-friendly office. Dr. Joel David is a Jacksonville FL dentist who appreciates the importance of helping children feel at ease in the dentist chair. He and his team at David & Associates have created a relaxing spa-like atmosphere. Each room is outfitted with a television to aid in distracting the child from the procedure. They use equipment specially designed for pediatric patients. As your child grows more comfortable in their care, fears will be replaced with a beautiful smile.
