Child dental fear is entirely real to the child, whatever its origin. Fear is often described as an acronym: False Evidence Appearing Real.
Behaviour is not personality
Children and adults behave differently when frightened. Those actions do not define who they are.
NLP is the tool that teaches a constructive response. We learn to view fears as external situations that are not directly under our control. We also learn to cope, and to reframe the memories we hold.
Feedback rather than failure
NLP encourages us to extract feedback from every situation. Each becomes a lesson we can apply when something similar returns.
This requires belief in oneself and the conviction to overcome. Beyond that, progress depends on how well a person explores and implements what they learn.
The fears that actually trouble us
Few of us fear physical attack today. Instead we carry smaller demons:
- Self-limiting beliefs
- Fear of loneliness or being left out
- Feeling not good enough
- Fear of failure
- Fear of judgement
Throughout life we meet people and situations that lift us, and others that undermine us. Unless we build strength from within, these fears can become permanent blocks.
Knowing yourself first
NLP is the science of knowing oneself, so that we understand those around us better. It trains mind, body and spirit to respond to varying energies with far more comprehension.
Several NLP tools matter greatly when overcoming child dental fear. Most of us know where we belong, where we need to be and where we aspire to be. NLP and hypnotherapy guide us along that self-known path.
Where change actually happens
The work focuses on how the conscious brain absorbs information, and how fears get stored in the subconscious. Deep relaxation techniques bypass the critical factors of the conscious brain.
Instructions then reach the subconscious, where the actual change takes place. Both group and individual sessions help, giving insight and foresight.
Understanding the biology of fear is therefore the first step. In the dental chair, this underpins behaviour modification and The Calm Chair Method™.
Practical preparation advice for families is also published by the NHS advice on children’s teeth.
Help a child who is frightened of the dentist
A first visit can be purely about trust, with no treatment at all. Call +971 50 682 3462 or book an appointment with Dr. Imneet Madan in Dubai.
