Children’s visits to the dentist are often fraught with anxiety for parents
and kids alike. A negative experience at the dentist as a child may result
in continued anxiety over routine dental care even into adulthood. So, find
out how to evaluate dental practitioners to reduce your and your child’s
stress and prevent a traumatic childhood experience. Also, be prepared by
knowing what to expect, your rights as a parent and how to prepare or help
your child.
Your child and the dentist – behind closed doors
Anxiety over a child’s first visit to the dentist leads many parents to
needlessly worry when they’re asked to remain in the lobby during their
child’s checkup. Though negative experiences can occur at this stage, they
aren’t the norm. Separating a child from parents usually results in fuller
cooperation from a the patient.
When your child is placed in the care of the dental staff, they’ll try to
make this first experience fun and informative. The dentist will explain
and demonstrate routine procedures to her and then perform the processes as
discussed. Your child soon learns the dentist is someone to trust. When she
child has non-routine dental work done, the dentist will similarly work
with her to help alleviate fears.
If you’re still concerned with sending your child in alone, discuss it with
your practitioner. Ask if your dentist will make an exception. If you’re
still not satisfied, seek a dentist with policies that make you more
comfortable.
Approaching scared or uncooperative children
There are many reasons children become fearful or uncooperative during a
visit to the dentist. If your child arrives unprepared or senses your
anxiety, she may develop undue worry. A past experience could also cause
stress. Children who are ill or have a physical or mental disability, a
behavioral disorder or developmental delay may also be challenging to
treat. Whatever the reason, the way your dentist handles your child’s fears
and behavior is vital to her emotional well being and ability to cope with
future visits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has developed guidelines
for behavior management that dentists should follow. Your dentist should
use the communication techniques learned in dental school, including
positive reinforcement, distraction, voice control, non-verbal
communication and the tell-show-do approach. These techniques all help
reassure patients and gain their trust. In most cases, these approaches are
sufficient, leading to visits that end on a positive note. When a
practitioner lacks the expertise for handling a situation, your child
should be referred to a dentist with the appropriate skills.
Child restraint and other non-routine approaches
Unfortunately, some children will require approaches beyond specialized
communicative skills. The AAPD recommends several procedures when
communication isn’t enough. Such strategies include
immobilization, nitrous oxide, conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
The circumstances under which any of these methods are used depend on
several factors including the necessity of the dental work, the particular
procedure and the reason your child isn’t able to cooperate.
Nitrous oxide or conscious sedation is sometimes used to calm children and
prevent injurious movement. These relatively safe procedures may be
indicated under several conditions. But in some instances, they should not
be used.
Restraint or immobilization is another option. It can be used to prevent
injury and gain cooperation as well, although some practitioners express
concern with the use of this method.
Dr. Kimberly A. Loos, D.D.S. of San Jose, California explains at
ParentsPlace.com, “I believe that because restraint might be viewed as some
type of punishment by the child, it should be used exceedingly sparingly
… While some think that the wrap may help the patient to feel secure,
it may also serve to increase and intensify any feelings of helplessness
the child might have.”
Loos reports she has treated hundreds of children and has only opted for
the method on one occasion and with the parent’s consent. She acknowledges
it may be appropriate for use with a child who’s not apprehensive, yet is
unable to remain still for the procedure.
Finally, general anesthesia is occasionally required. This is usually
needed only when other methods are deemed inappropriate, and necessary
dental services otherwise couldn’t be rendered.
Whatever the situation, says the AAPD, these measures shouldn’t be executed
without your prior consent.
Preventing an experience that heightens your child’s fears
- Contact your state’s board of dentistry when choosing a
practitioner to make sure no disciplinary actions have been taken. - Inform your dentist of any medical, behavioral or other conditions
that might affect your child’s visit, so the dentist can
communicate with your child accordingly. - Pediatric dentists have specialized training for dealing with
situations that can arise with children. Seek a pediatric dentist
if you suspect your child may have difficulty with dental visits.
Tips for easing your child’s fears
- Read to your child before the first visit to the dentist. Try one of the
following: “Going to the Dentist” by Helen Frost, “Open Wide: A Visit to
the Dentist” by Cecile Schoberle and Barry Goldberg, “Freddie Visits the
Dentist” by Nicola Smee or “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” by Stan
Berenstain and Jan Berenstain. - Share a DVD with your child such as “A Trip to the Dentist through
Pinatta’s View” available from Amazon.com. - Also, express positive feelings about your own dental experiences. Explain
to your child the procedures she will undergo, while avoiding frightening
terminology. - If she is anxious, don’t try to soothe her by lying about a procedure or
possible pain. Instead, try to alleviate fears that may be out of
proportion to the situation. - Finally, offer coping strategies to your child. Have her practice taking
long deep breaths. If you know you’ll be attending to her throughout the
procedure, you can offer your hand to squeeze.
DENTISTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE:
- Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry
Karen Benitez, DDS, Board Certified
8401 Connecticut Ave., Ste. 650
Chevy Chase, MD
301-272-1246
www.chevychasekids.dentist
hello@chevychasekids.dentist
- Falls Church Pediatric Dentistry
Roselyne Gichana, DMD
6400 Arlington Blvd., Ste. 80
Falls Church, VA
703-533-5511
www.Fallschurchkids.com
- Pediatric Dental Care
John Han, DDS
10614 Warwick Ave., Ste. B
Fairfax, VA
703-383-3434
www.kidsfirstdentalcare.com
- Emmanuel Skordalakis, DDS, M.A.
Diana Tsai, D.M.D.
46950 Jennings Farm Dr., Ste. 160
City, State
Sterling, VA
703-421-3000
www.Skordalakisdds.com
- Vienna Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Sarah Ganjavi
301 Maple Ave., NW, #400
Vienna, VA
703-938-6600
www.ViennaPediatricDentistry.com
email
Parent Input Please
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Facebook.com/washingtonparent.Facebook.com/washingtonparent.
Then we will share them with you!
This month’s question: What is one way you make a visit to the dentist go
more smoothly?
