To help eliminate that distress, Dr. Lisa Richardson and our team put together five steps to help your child overcome their dental anxiety when visiting Dentistry 4 Children.

1. Ask your child what they’re most afraid of. Is it the sound of the drill? Do you have needle phobia? Has your child been traumatized by previous dental visits? Have children write down their fears, one by one, and talk about them.

2. Don’t wait. The more frequently your child visits our office, the less work will need to be done at any given visit. By merely having Dr. Lisa Richardson professionally clean your child’s teeth twice a year prevent many, if not most, problems down the road.

3. Bring a distraction such as music to your child’s appointment. Just plug in those earphones, have your child close their eyes, and get lost in the music. Listening to tunes can also be a pain killer.

4. Remind your child to unwind. Inhaling slowly and counting to five help. Encourage children to hold their breath for ten seconds, then exhale slowly to the count of eight, and repeat as needed. It’s easier if they’re not focused on the work going on inside their mouth.

5. Ask us. Before any procedure your child undergoes, we encourage you to ask Dr. Lisa Richardson or one of our assistants why we’re using the tools we’re using. Ask us what we’re doing during your child’s procedure, what the device is used for, and how it benefits your child. Also, please ask about anti-anxiety medications we may prescribe to help your child relax during their appointment.

Remember, our team at Dentistry 4 Children are health care professionals who strive to improve your child’s oral health and will do all we can to ensure a trauma- and pain-free experience during his or her visit!

We hope these tips help! For more on pediatric dental anxieties, ask us during your next visit to our Friendswood, TX office! Or, ask us below or on Facebook!