Tips for Handling Dental Anxiety

Children and adults alike often experience dental anxiety before or during a dental visit. Children’s dentists have additional years of training that is specifically designed to help them give children better dental care. Learn tips to help both you and your child to feel more calm about a dental visit. 

Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry is designed to ensure that your family gets the best care medicine and science can provide with a gentle and kind approach. Contact us today at (813) 576-0200 to make an appointment for a visit!

Visit Our Office Before the Appointment

Make a plan to do an office tour and orientation before your child’s appointment to help your child feel more comfortable in his dental home. If you know your child is anxious about his upcoming visit, let our staff know beforehand so we can take steps to make him feel more at ease. We will make sure to go the extra mile with your child to keep them calm and comfortable on treatment day!

Talk Positively About Dental Visits and Oral Care at Home

Before your dental visit talk to your child about how Dr. Botero will make sure your teeth are strong and healthy. Tell them that you will be with them the entire visit. Show them pictures of Dr. Botero and our staff from our website. Help your child familiarize themselves with our practice by looking at pictures on our website. 

Role Play a Dental Visit with Your Child at Home

Children love to play pretend at home. Take the opportunity to take your child and his “friends” stuffed animals or toys to the dentist for a check-up or treatment and role play how that would go using positive messaging and outcomes. 

Contact us today at (813) 576-0200 to get some ideas on how to ease your child’s dental care anxieties.  

Bring Your Children to Your Appointments

Let your child accompany you when you have dental appointments. Watching your brave, confident example will empower your child to less fear when he has an appointment. If you have an appointment you feel anxious about, don’t have your child accompany you at this visit since they will be able to feel your fearful energy and it may make them nervous.

Consider Sedation Dentistry for an Anxious Child

Sedation dentistry (the use of nitrous oxide or laughing gas) is offered during certain procedures. The use of laughing gas for more complex procedures may become appropriate if your child is anxious about the treatment and to keep them calm throughout. 

Be Patient and Understanding with Your Kids

Your child’s first dental treatment may have some drama and rough spots. That is to be expected. Do all you can to remain calm and positive throughout the appointment. If it gets to be too much, feel free to to step outside for a break in another room and then to come back when you can be calm and strong for your child.  

Don’t be afraid to let Dr. Botero and our friendly team do their job! They have years treating children and know how to best handle dental phobias and situations. We are here to help you and your child with your oral health journey. 

Call to Schedule an Appointment Today!

Dr. Cat has state licenses to practice dentistry in Colorado and Florida. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Florida Dental Association (FDA) and an affiliate member of the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD).  She stays on top of the latest developments in the dental field and attends continuing education courses regularly. You and your child are in good hands with her and our amazing team! 

Contact us today at (813) 576-0200 to make an appointment for a visit!