Visiting a dentist is a common source of worry for many kids, and more than a simple inconvenience. From the sound of the drill to the unfamiliar smells and the feeling of being restrained in a chair, dental visits can be overwhelming for young patients. Even the littlest bit of nervousness can quickly turn into severe distress and children may cry, refuse care or feel physically ill just thinking about sitting in a dental chair. This fear can haunt them well into adulthood, and they may end up suffering from poor oral hygiene for years. Anxiety can manifest in children in many ways, and when it gets to a point where your child can't get the care they need, sleep dentistry is a kind and effective way to ensure your child is treated in a way that is comfortable for them.
Understanding Dental Anxiety in Children
More than parents may assume, kids often suffer from dental anxiety. Research indicates that as many as 20% of children are very frightened of visiting the dentist and some develop avoidance practices that result in cavities, infections, and other long-term oral health issues that they avoid treatment for. Even if a painful procedure has been performed on children before, or if they have encountered a sudden dental injury, or heard a scary dental story from their sibling or friend, the fear may become deeply ingrained. The children might cry, not eat or drink or might have a complete panic attack in the waiting room. These are the times when a typical reassurance doesn't suffice.
Learn about Sleep Dentistry for Kids.
Paediatric sleep dentistry involves the use of sedation to provide children with dental care in a controlled, comfortable and calm environment. Depending on the child's age, weight, anxiety level, and the complexity of the treatment, a dentist may recommend:
- Nitrous Oxide (happy gas) — A mild inhalation sedative that relaxes the child without causing him to become unconscious and unresponsive.
- Oral sedation — A liquid or tablet that is administered before the appointment to produce profound relaxation or some level of sleep.
- General anaesthetic — For extremely anxious children, have complex treatment needs or have special medical needs, given in a healthcare setting under full monitoring.
The aim isn't just to "knock a child out" but to make the experience a safe, non-anxiety-inducing situation that will preserve the child's oral health and emotional well-being.
Why Sleep Dentistry is Effective at Overcoming Dental Fear in Kids
Perhaps the strongest advantage of helping children turn over the leaves of fear and anxiety with sedation is the cycle it ends. If a child has a really frightening visit to the dentist, they will remember it for all future visits. With sleep dentistry, this unpleasant experience is eliminated completely. The child doesn't remember what happened and wakes up fine without having any more fear added to their oral experiences. Sleep Dentistry can also be used for kids who have special needs, sensory processing issues or have a strong gag reflex, and can provide all necessary check-ups and comprehensive multi-step dental procedures within one appointment.
Tips for Easing Dental Anxiety in Kids
Sleep dentistry is an effective method, but there are helpful tips parents can take home to support their child. Here are some practical ways to help relieve dental anxiety in children:
- Be consistent and start early. By attending regular dental visits from infancy, it becomes normal and fear has not a chance to emerge.
- Use positive language. Try to not use vocabulary that includes the words “pain”, “needle”, or “hurt”. Instead, discuss the dentist as the "strengthener of teeth" and "keeps teeth healthy.
- Read books or view videos of 'friendly dentist characters' to help desensitise children to the environment.
- Role-play at home. Count your teeth – familiarity is the best cure for fear – let your child be the dentist!
- Select a dentist office that is geared to working with nervous children.
Conclusion
Beautiful smiles are essential for every child — and fear should not be a barrier to providing a child the care they need. For parents with a dental anxious child or a child who has suffered from dental trauma, sleep dentistry may be just the solution you've been looking for. Anxious children receive special, gentle and compassionate care from our Bayswater Dentist team, and we have a range of sedation options available to suit their individual needs – all delivered in a cozy and inviting dental office. Schedule an appointment now and start a journey towards less stress for your child when visiting the dentist.
