Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Posted by Wei Yin Wong Nov 23, 2008

As a child, I had a very bad experience with a dentist. No, the dentist was a pretty nice guy. He wasn't mean or anything. It was all me. I was terrified days before that visit. So not surprisingly, I was a complete mess when that fateful day arrived.

What made it more embarrassing was the fact that it was not even my first dental visit. I was around eight and I'd had a couple of visits before. But those were in another town with another dentist. No needles were used. The previous dentist used a numb spray and I was okay with it.

But this new dentist - he had a syringe and needle. That freaked me out completely. The minute I saw what he was holding, I started screaming and begging my sister (who was waiting outside) to come rescue me. I kicked, I scratched, I bit - I had to be restrained by a burly nurse and my father, who was shocked and understandably embarrased by the whole incident.

After what seemed like an eternity, the dentist finally pulled out my loose tooth, much to the relief of everyone in the treatment room. He suffered a few deep scratches on his arm but he was still quite cool and collected. Dad, of course, had to apologize profusely. My sister, who heard the torture outside, quickly came to console me.

Yeah, I can laugh about it now. It was so hilarious. But it wasn't at that time. It was truly frightening. So I vowed never to let my own kids go through that traumatic experience. And I prepared myself and my kids way before their first dental appointment.

First I asked around. There are a few good dentists in my area. But I want one who is attuned to a child's feelings, fear and anxiety. When I finally settled for one dentist, I was and still am really pleased with him. He is not a pediatric dentist, just a general dentist but he is very good with kids. His waiting area has a toy corner and my kids just help themselves with the toys when they are there. The distraction helps while they wait for their turn.

I also tell my kids fun stories about kids who go to see their dentists. I try not to make a big deal out of it and promote dental visits in anyway I could. I did, however, make one mistake. I told them my big fight with the dentist when I was a kid. They laughed but that probably made them a little anxious. So I don't talk about that anymore, not when they are around anyway.

Another thing to do is to get as much information as you can from your dentist. He or she will be more than happy to share tips on getting a child ready for a dental visit, oral and dental care and anything related to dental hygiene.

Also, don't forget to practice good dental hygiene. Dentists are often very pleased when their young patients have taken the trouble to learn to take care of their teeth properly.

For more tips on oral care, read about oral hygiene for babies and toddlers as well as preparing children for their first dental visit.