Parents Fuel Kids’ Dental Anxiety

As many as 30% of children are afraid of the dentist and in many cases the fear has been unknowingly passed on from their parents, say the Irish Dental Association (IDA).

The representative association of over 1,500 Irish dentists revealed that anecdotal evidence from its members suggests that 20% - 30% of children suffer some level of fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist, with 1 in ten10 children suffering from extreme levels of dental anxiety. The IDA has advised parents to take steps to ensure that their children do not suffer from dental anxiety.

Dr Gerry Buckley, IDA, said that although there are various, often complex causes of dental anxiety, parents can sometimes unwittingly transfer their own dental anxiety to their children. A common mistake that many parents make, he said, is trying to reassure their child by saying “you are very brave” or “there is nothing to be afraid of”. These comments can actually trigger anxiety and result in the child failing to co-operate when in the dentist’s chair.

Dr Buckley advises that parents bring their child for their first routine check-up when there are no underlying dental issues. This will ensure that their first dental visit is a pleasant one. Regular check-ups will also help keep the teeth healthy and avoid problems such as dental decay.

Other tips to prevent your child developing a fear of the dentist:

• If your child is likely to be anxious in the dental surgery, notify the dentist or dental nurse in advance of the visit.
• Do not mention your own dental experiences or anxieties in front of your child.
• Be positive about the dental visit, especially when in the surgery.
• Praising your child and positively reinforcing good behaviour will increase your child’s trust and confidence.
• Normalise the dental visit by explaining that children all over the world visit the dentist.

"By following these simple steps, and readdressing their own attitude to dentistry, parents can help to ensure that the age old fear of going to the dentist becomes a thing of the past," concluded Dr Buckley.

Posted Monday 31st March 2008