Can I make dental visits less scary for my child? | Boston Children’s Answers Parentcast (S2: Ep.2) [Video]

Dental visits can be daunting for children, often causing fear and apprehension, which adults can also relate to. However, there are effective strategies available to parents and dentists to ease these anxieties and prepare children for their time in the dental chair.
In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold discusses how to alleviate dental anxiety with Dr. Elaine Smyth, a pediatric dentist at Boston Children’s Department of Dentistry.

Together, they answer questions such as:
– What are the risks of avoiding dental care?
– What are some common reasons kids fear visiting the dentist?
– Are there specific populations for whom dental visits are more challenging?
– How do dentists manage children’s anxiety during dental visits?
– Is sedation an option for children with significant dental anxiety?
– How do pediatric dentists care for kids with medical complexities or neurodiversity?
– How long should parents help their child brush their teeth?

Oral health is important for overall health, so children should start early. If your child feels anxious about dental visits, discuss it with them openly. Then, consult their dentist to address and ease any worries they may have.

▶Meet the Experts:

Elaine Smyth, DDS
Pediatric Dentist, Department of Dentistry
https://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/elaine-smyth

Jennifer Arnold, MD, MSc
Neonatologist and Program Director, Immersive Design Systems
https://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/jennifer-arnold

▶Department Mentioned:

Department of Dentistry
https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/dentistry

▶Chapters:
2:31 Why is it important to visit the dentist regularly and at what age should kids start?
4:17 How often should kids visit the dentist?
6:13 What are the risks of avoiding dental care?
8:36 What factors should parents consider when choosing a dentist for their child?
10:00 What are some common reasons kids fear visiting the dentist?
13:24 Are there specific populations for whom dental visits are more challenging?
15:29 How do dentists manage children’s anxiety during dental visits?
19:23 Is sedation an option for children with significant dental anxiety?
20:38 What can we do as parents to decrease our kids’ anxiety about going to the dentist?
22:43 What training do dentists get to care for kids?
26:06 How do pediatric dentists care for kids with medical complexities or neurodiversity?
31:40 How long should parents help their child brush their teeth?
33:15 What are the doctor’s orders regarding kids and dental anxiety?

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