The prevention of oral diseases and their treatment in childhood and adolescence is the basis for good oral health throughout life. The two major issues in this are (a) to keep the oral environment healthy, (b) to keep the patient capable of using and willing to use the dental service. Children and adolescents show tremendous variation in maturity, personality, temperament, and emotions leading to a corresponding difference in the ability to cope with dental treatment situation
Why Dental Fear:
Many children perceive that the visit to a dentist is very stressful. This is because of several reasons such as meeting unfamiliar adults, strange sounds and tastes, having to lie down, discomfort and even pain. Uncooperative behavior and reactions due to dental fear are very common encounters in dental clinics daily.
Type of Behavioral Management Problems :
There are different behaviors shown by the children during the treatment.
● Few react to a specific object during the treatment. This is called dental fear.
● Few showed a nonspecific feeling when he prepared for treatment. This is called dental anxiety.
● Few children show a severe type of dental anxiety and that fear is called odontophobia.
● Few show uncooperative and disruptive behaviors resulting in the delay of treatment or rendering treatment impossible and are called a dental behavior management problems.
Tips to Prevent Dental Fear and Behavioral Management Problems:
At Children’s Dentistry, we have a team of highly specialized and friendly doctors, who always try to build a good rapport with their young patients. We have a few useful tips for you to deal with your child’s fear of visiting the pediatric dentist.
● It is advisable to start your child’s regular pediatric dentist visits from a young age like 6 months. So, they will be more comfortable with their doctor for their next appointments.
● Parents, be prepared for the worst conditions before going to doctor and do not show your anger. Stay calm.
● Stranger anxiety is common in babies. So, comfort your child and try to divert his attention by talking about the toys or cartoon paintings in the doctor room.
● Always explain to your child about the oral hygiene and importance of pediatric dentist visits.
● Do not use the words like hurt or pain with the baby about dental visits. Try to use only positive words.
