Fear of the unknown at the dentist drives most childhood dental anxiety. Children rarely fear what they can picture. They fear what might happen next.
Why early experiences stick
Child development psychology indicates that around eighty-two percent of a child’s brain develops by age seven. Experiences before and during that window leave a long impression.
Fear of the unknown at the dentist sits at the root of most dental anxiety. People are not frightened of things they can associate with their own sensory experience. They are frightened of what may happen.
Describe the sensations, not the instruments
The strongest route through this is information, delivered in child-friendly yet comprehensible vocabulary. During the pre-procedure appointment, explain the basic feelings the child will meet:
- Possible sounds
- Air pressure
- Water in the mouth
- Lying back in the chair
- The suction tube
- Cotton rolls
- The feel of metallic tools
None of this frightens a child when it arrives expected. It frightens them when it arrives as a surprise. In short, fear of the unknown at the dentist thrives on surprise.
Tell-show-do
Tell-show-do is an age-old technique, and it endures for good reason. It supplies small details of each step, so children can prepare themselves and cope accordingly.
Share all of it beforehand. Because familiarity breeds comfort here, preparation does most of the work.
Keep discussing it at every visit
At each visit, behaviour management and modification techniques deserve a fresh conversation. Children then receive whatever assistance suits their current level of apprehension.
The foundation of a successful relationship with the dentist is simple. Every appointment should be a positive one, which instils a positive dental attitude for life. See also dental office vocabulary and the amygdala and dental fear.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends this kind of preparation before treatment.
Book a familiarisation visit in Dubai
A first appointment can be nothing more than looking around and counting teeth. Call +971 50 682 3462 or book an appointment with Dr. Imneet Madan in Dubai.
