There’s something about the dentist that stokes the most primal fear in children. Thosevisits seldom go smoothly and it can seem like the journey from home to the dentistoffice is a constant battle that test the very limits of your parenting ability.
For kids, a visit to the dentist represents a laundry list of things to fear: sharp objects,loud noises, people with masks prying around inside their little mouths. Here’s abreakdown of those scary things that make your kid hate the dentist.
1. Needles
That needle a dentist uses to inject Novocain may be the scariest in the entire medicalprofession. Not only does it feature that massive thumbhole for the doctor, but the needleitself is likely as large as any your kid will see in his or her lifetime, and, it’s about to bein their mouth! If that needle looks big to you, it probably looks like Excalibur in the eyesof your child. But this can be avoided. Search around for a dentist that uses electronicdevices to for anesthetic delivery. This recent development is gaining steam in the dentalcommunity and has become increasingly popular with children.
2. The Drill
As sure as the cart follows the horse; the drill follows the needle. Although it’s somesmall relief that the Novocain numbed your child up before the drilling and filling, thesound, vibration, sucking and spraying is enough to introduce your child to a new level ofhorror. But fear not, many pediatric dental offices have ways to make this experience lessscary for kids. It’s important that you not only choose a good dentist, but one who alsohas a good staff in terms of dental assisting.
3. The Apprehension
To a kid, the hours before the dentist visit can feel like walking the Green Mile.Anticipating a trip to the dentist is enough to put anyone one edge, but children tend todeal with anxiety a bit differently, such as fighting you with every ounce of their being.It’s the apprehension that leads to a total breakdown in the parent-child power structureand you’ll have to bring you’re A-game when the protest really starts to get ugly.
4. The Other Kids
If you’re at a pediatric dental office, what’s the first thing your kid will notice? The otherkids, and odds are they look every bit as freaked out as your child. All you can do ishope some other swollen-faced, utterly bummed out kid doesn’t come walking out of anappointment, because you’re in for it if your child catches a glimpse of his or her future.But again, if your dentist is good and the staff was trained by any number of certifieddental assisting schools, they will help set your child’s mind at ease.
5. It Hurts
There’s no avoiding this one: going to the dentist hurts. The initial shot from that needleis anything but numb. What’s worse, your child may come out of the Novocain numbnessto learn he or she had been inadvertently biting their cheek and tongue. It’s a painfulrevelation. But if you have some ice chips on hand, that should help ease the after dentistpain. Consider investing in some children’s aspirin as well.
6. The Smell and the Sounds
The drill always smells like something burning and when it’s running that sound isenough to drive a kid up the wall. There’s also a distinct noise made every time thedentist prods around with that hook and mirror. The entire dental office usually smellslike sterilizing agents and antiseptic. It doesn’t have to be this way. A good pediatricdentist will provide a soothing atmosphere with air purifiers and even some kid-friendlymusic.
It’s important to remember however, that no matter how many things there are to terrifyyour children, good parenting and a good professional dentist and staff can take a lot ofthat fear out of visiting the dentist.
