Child's fear of the dentist

dentist and children are like oil and water, they just dont mix. Luckily dentists have come along way on making things more comfortable for your visit. I would suggest talking with the dentist to let him/her know your concerns, and maybe have the dentist talk to your child to help reassure her that it will be fine and wont feel a thing.

I'm always hearing that many kids are afraid of the dentist, for some strange reason, I never recalling ever being afraid when I was a kid.

I can't say I blame her. I absolutely hate the dentist, but can you read her a story about the dentist. By now surely she has been to the dentist. What is it that she is afraid of? Getting them removed, or the dentist. Maybe the dentist could talk to her before the appointment. Good luck.

your child is not the only one afraid of the dentist. me too! i have 2 impacted 3rd mollars and they will be pulled out soon! *yikes!* _

my little sister is 10 and broke her tooth a few weeks ago. today supposed to be her root treatment but she was too afraid to go. my mom got so angry at her and tried to explain her it is a necessary treatment and she must undergo it or her tooth will rotten. unfortunately (or fortunately) the clinic was closed until my mom got there. I hope next time she won't do these problems.

you are a 11 year:))

My 10-year-old son used to be the same way when it came time to go to the dentist. We had to literally strap him down in order to have his teeth cleaned. Now anytime he has one of his baby teeth loose or is hurting, he asks us to take him to the dentist, even though he knows he will get a few shots to numb the gum.

Have you consulted with the dentist? He should explain exactly what is going to happen. Will she receive gas or novacaine? If she is this anxious maybe you should consult your family physician and have a mild sedative prescribed for her. This will allow her to relax and not panic.

The best course of action would be to tell your kid that he has no alternative but to go to dentist and get his tooth extracted.once his morale is boosted high, he will perhaps fare better.the dentists behaviour also can make him brave.hope all goes well with you and your 11 years kid.

you could tell your 11 year old that you will reward her afterwards with a little toy or something small it doesnt have to be expensive.It might make her more calm about going to the dentist.

Well, Fear, litterally, is a response to anxiety, pain, and such, having been to the dentist before, being hurt at the dentist before, hearing stories of dentists before, or worrying about going to the dentist are all going to make her fear the dentist, what you have to do is keep her mind off it, talk about good times at the densist, how nice it is to have clean nice teeth, about how proud the dentist will be of the good job she does brushing.... stuff like that, and don't talk about the extraction, talk about the tooth fairy : )

thats normal for children to be afraid of dentists i was very afraid too when i was a kid it will go away as they grow up i promise!

Well just tell her that it wont hurt, and it will be over with fast.Most of the dentists are really good with children and will make her feel comfortable. good luck

My son has been having major surgery on his mouth since 7. First you calm down because she senses this and is feeding off of it.The worst part will be the needle. But it is just a pinch. It should only take a few minutes for them to do this.Make sure she knows this and knows tons of other people have had this done.Shes not alone. Also if the dentist does not supply it bring her favorite music and head phones. She won't be able to hear the extraction with music on.Get an antibiotic after, and as soon as she is able to eat give her her favorite ice cream that is just for her.She needs to know she will be treated a little more special after. Awarm fuzzy blanket and chicken soup after also helps.She is not a baby and you should not treat her as such. But she'll be uncomfortable.Be honest with her, let her know what to expect,that it has to be done and will be, and have her decide on her after surgery treat.

Oh bless, how awful for you both! Maybe you should ring your dentist and see what strategy he suggests? My friends little boy (7years old) had to have a tooth removed and the dentist rubbd some magic cream onto his gum which removed the fear of the needle. Try not to let her see you getting nervous as this will reinforce her fears. My little boy had a tiny filling with no problems at all, our dentist just told him what he was going to do with few details and then did it. I hope his works out Ok, it would be a shame for her to become afraid for ever. Let me know how she gets on please, good luck.

I can't help but sympathize. I had horrid experiences as a child at the dentist. I guess the only thing I can suggest is to make sure the dentist knows ahead of time, and try to keep soothing things around her.. a favorite stuffed animal or something and music perhaps?

My 4 yr old just went to the dentist for the first time, back in August. I have made sure never to speak badly about the dentist, never expressed any fear about going, have given her information about her teeth, and how the dentist helps her take care of them, etc.. She had a lot of knowledge about everything before she went in, and she was actually quite excited about the experience. I think that really makes a difference. Even the dental hygienist said she was impressed with how well my daughter did- since so many children come in with a fear of the dentist. My daughter feels the same way about her pediatrician. She isn't looking forward to getting shots in April (before she starts school), but other than that, she knows there is no reason to be afraid. Of course when you're facing an extraction, that's a whole different thing. I'm sure I would be quite nervous about it myself. I guess you just have to make sure she realizes that this is to help her, not to hurt her. And that they will do whatever they can to make sure she isn't in pain. She's going to be nervous. She might be scared. That's normal. But the more you seem freaked out, the worse she's going to feel.

Children's fears can be expressed in a number of ways. Some children may cry; others may throw temper tantrums. Keep in mind that it is perfectly normal for children to be fearful – some are afraid of being separated from their parents; others are afraid of the unknown; others are afraid of being injured. A dentist who treats children will know how to cope with your child's fears and anxiety and put them at ease.

Ugh, one of the less fun rites of passage. I had a couple of teeth out as a kid. I'm also a complete coward, especially when it comes to needles. I know what your daughter is feeling and how hard it is to get comfortable with the procedure. Just be sure to brief the dentist. In the meantime, reassure your child that it is all done with novacaine, so she won't feel anything. It may or may not help, but just keep reassuring her. Be truthful, also. She will feel a little pinch from the novacaine and that's it. Question: would the dentist allow you to stay in the room with her? Mike

Please if nothing else make sure your childs dentist is nice and will calm her fears. I had a dentist as a child that would threaten that if you did not keep your mouth open he would do it for you. He would then show some device that keeps your mouth open. I had six babie teeth removed at age 4. I remember every minute of that day, still at age 46. I have an insane fear of dentist and don't go unless it can't be avoided. Now I have to have all my teeth out and get dentures. It probably could have been a better tooth life for me if I had a better dentist as a child. Also my parents were never aware of the things this dentist did because we were all afraid we would get in trouble for giving him a hard time. Finally my family stopped using this dentist when one of my nieces (age 6) said if I have to go to that dentist I will run in front of a car and die so I won't have to go. This was after a check up where they had to literally drag her while she grabbed walls, doors anything she could not to go in the office. When my cousin told me I told her of when me and my siblings went to him. She changed dentist that day. It's not the extraction that leaves the scars...but a bad dentist so please be sure.