My child is constantly afraid of the dentist, what can I do?
June 24, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erik Heinze
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Benjamin Blumberg and I am very worried about my child. My son, Tim, is 6 years old and has been experiencing strong fear of the dentist for some time. Every time we visit, he cries, shakes, and refuses to open his mouth. I don't know what to do to help him and ease his fear.
Tim has not had any bad experiences at the dentist before. He regularly brushes his teeth and has no pain or problems. However, I do not understand why he has such a great fear of going to the dentist. It breaks my heart to see how desperate he is and how much he is suffering. I want to help him overcome this fear so he doesn't develop long-term fears or problems.
Could you please give me tips on how I can help Tim overcome his fear of the dentist? Are there any specific techniques or exercises I can do with him to reduce his fear? Should I talk to him about his fears or wait? I am truly at a loss and would appreciate your advice on how I can help my son.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Blumberg
Dear Benjamin Blumberg,
I understand your concern about your son Tim and his strong fear of visiting the dentist. It is not uncommon for children to be afraid of the dentist, even if they have not had any negative experiences so far. It is important to take this fear seriously and help your son overcome it so that he does not develop long-term fears or problems.
There are various techniques and exercises that can help you support Tim during his dental visit and reduce his fear. Here are some tips that might help you:
1. Communication: Talk openly with Tim about his fears. Let him express his feelings and encourage him to ask questions. Try to understand his fears and reassure him that it is okay to be afraid.
2. Preparation: Explain to Tim what will happen during a dental visit. Show him pictures or videos of a dental visit to show him that it is not as bad as he thinks. You can also do role-playing together to simulate the visit.
3. Reward system: Create a reward system for Tim to motivate and support him. Promise him a small reward after the dental visit if he was brave.
4. Relaxation techniques: Practice relaxation techniques with Tim such as deep belly breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help him stay calm during the dental visit.
5. Trusted dentist: Find a compassionate and child-friendly dentist who has experience dealing with anxious children. Let Tim get to know the dentist before he has an appointment to build trust.
It is important to be patient and empathetic with Tim and give him time to overcome his fear. Be there for him, listen to him, and support him every step of the way.
I hope these tips can help you support Tim during his dental visit and alleviate his fear. If the fear persists or worsens, I recommend seeking professional help to support Tim appropriately.
I wish you and Tim success and all the best for the future.
Best regards,
Erik Heinze
