The amygdala and dental fear are closely linked. Understanding that link explains why certain words make a child freeze before anything has even happened.
A brain built for threats
The structure of the human brain is complex and magnificent. Indeed, the flexibility of its neurons still sits beyond full comprehension.
The amygdala is the part trained to alert us to threat. In the primal, hunter-gatherer brain it watched for enemies beyond the comfort of the cave.
Lifestyles have evolved, and we no longer live in caves. However, the amygdala retains part of that old wiring, so it still fires whenever it senses a fear-provoking situation.
Fight or flight in the dental chair
The most involuntary response of the amygdala is fight or flight. When fear-provoking input repeats, the brain settles into a defensive pattern.
Therefore in a dental setting, a constant feed of words such as needle, drill, pain and hurt produces only repulsive responses to instructions. The link between the amygdala and dental fear becomes self-reinforcing.
Vocabulary is the intervention
This is why the right vocabulary matters, given to both child and parent before the appointment. Children then arrive motivated and confident rather than apprehensive.
- Avoid needle, drill, pain, hurt and pull
- Describe instruments by what they do, not what they resemble
- Never promise that nothing will happen
- Keep explanations short and age-appropriate
Explaining the steps instead
Procedure steps can be introduced gently during the check-up appointment. Tell-show-do and other behaviour modification techniques work well for almost every age group.
Instead of alarming the brain, the right vocabulary combined with the right technique soothes the likely reaction. As a result, young children cope far better with treatment.
Well-worded, detailed and consistent information to the amygdala is therefore one of the keys to a positive dental attitude for life. See also behaviour modification and reaction versus response.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry likewise recommends careful preparation before a child’s appointment.
Book a calm appointment in Dubai
Ask us for the words to use at home before the visit. They make more difference than parents expect. Call +971 50 682 3462 or book an appointment with Dr. Imneet Madan in Dubai.
