Dental Phobias

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Dental phobia is a frequent barrier in pediatric dentistry that affects many children and hinders the dental care required to maintain good oral health.

Proper management of dental phobia helps children overcome their fears and makes oral health care easier.

Dental phobia derives from the fear of receiving dental treatment and may have its origin in previous experiences.

Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremors, and a feeling of panic. These circumstances cause discomfort and hinder treatment, leading to an impact on oral health.

It is often recommended to take the child to the dentist since their first teeth appear to avoid phobias. It is also suggested to take them to their parents’ dental offices to make it easier for them to become familiar with the environment.

Pediatric dentistry has different strategies for children to overcome the fear generated by a visit to the dentist and to be calmer during the consultation.

What are the strategies for managing dental phobia?

Education

Pediatric dentists can explain in simple language the procedures and instruments used during the procedure. This helps reduce fear and encourages a sense of security.

Entertainment.

The projection of films or the playing of relaxing music helps the child to feel calm during the consultation.

Positive reinforcement

It consists of motivating the child and rewarding him for his behavior during the consultation.

Exposure therapy

The child is exposed to the experience gradually, starting with something as simple as sitting in the chair of the dental unit, without treatment. As the child expresses trust, he moves on to other phases that help him relate to the office environment and the corresponding procedures.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

It focuses on changing negative thoughts and emotional responses related to dental treatment, taking advantage of children’s ability to learn quickly, and reducing anxiety.

The participation of parents in this process of preparation for dental procedures and treatments is essential. Communicating with children helps to reduce the fears they experience when facing the dentist.

In some cases, it may be necessary to resort to a combination of various strategies to help the child clear up doubts and reduce anxiety.

Conscious sedation is an alternative that should be considered when other strategies have been exhausted without achieving the expected result.

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How can pediatric dentists support the management of dental phobia?

The participation of the pediatric dentist in the adaptation process is also relevant.

When a child arrives in a new space, he observes his entire environment. If in the office he finds an environment and objects that allow him to identify that other children go there, the scenario and his perception will change.

Elements such as tables and chairs for children, coloring books, stories, and games to assemble and disassemble, are key playful pieces in the process of approaching the child to the dentist and the procedures related to their oral health.

Conclusion

Where can you find a suitable pediatric dentist?

The work of the dentist with the collaboration of the parents is important to identify the best strategy to help the child in his approximation to the procedures that allow caring for and preserving his oral health.

Remember that taking the child to the dental office for his first teeth helps to avoid dental phobias. If these fears and phobias are already evident, it is necessary to seek professional attention to facilitate the handling of the situation. In our directory, you will find different alternatives for care in pediatric dentistry. Consult it, discuss your case with the professionals who offer services in the specialty, and select the alternative that meets your requirements.