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Worry about the dentist is common in children, and in grown-ups too. This guide is for caregivers: what makes worry worse, how you can help, and what options exist when fear is strong.
The AAPD describes dental anxiety in children as an expected reaction to an unfamiliar place. It can range from mild worry about one visit to a true phobia. It often eases as children grow, but about 15% of children have anxiety that lasts or carries into adulthood.
That is why the AAPD puts so much weight on preventing fear in the first place, through calm, well-prepared visits that start early, before there is a problem to fix.
It is okay to feel nervous. Tell a grown-up how you feel, and they can help you.
Dentists for kids often use a stop signal. If you raise your hand, they pause and listen.
The AAPD lists several things that can make a dental visit harder for a child:
Caregivers have more influence than they often realize.
Regular visits from the first birthday mean the first visit is not for a problem. When you book, tell the office about your child’s worries and any past hard visits.
Keep your words simple, calm and positive. The AAPD notes that a parent’s own dental fear can pass to a child.
Some tears are normal, especially for young children. The AAPD notes that hoping for “no tears” is often unrealistic, and that is okay.
A simple sign, like raising your hand, that tells the dentist you need a short pause.
Yes. Lots of kids do, and the dental team knows how to help.
Gentle approaches come first. Pediatric dentists start with communication-based techniques, such as tell-show-do, distraction and praise, chosen for each child. For children with stronger anxiety or special health care needs, the AAPD also describes options such as sensory-adapted rooms, picture-based communication, gradual practice visits, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Advanced options. For some children, protective stabilization, sedation or general anesthesia may be considered. The AAPD says these need your informed consent, after the dentist explains the benefits, risks and alternatives. You can ask questions and take time to decide. If a child becomes very upset during non-urgent treatment, the AAPD describes pausing to talk with you about other approaches, including finishing safely and coming back another day.
That is common. Talking about visits in a matter-of-fact way, and letting the dental team lead, helps your child. If your own nerves are high, it is okay to ask another calm adult to come along.
Many offices welcome parents, and parents can offer real comfort and encouragement. Some dentists may suggest a parent steps out for a short time if it helps the child focus. The AAPD says this must be discussed and agreed with you beforehand. Ask about the office’s approach when you book.
Worry that builds for days before a visit, panic, or refusing care altogether can be signs that fear is more than mild. Tell the dentist. They can adapt their approach, and the AAPD describes gradual practice visits and other supports for very anxious children.
Tell the office ahead of time what helps your child. The AAPD describes sensory-adapted rooms with dimmed lights and calming sounds, picture cards for communication, and gradual practice visits for children with autism or sensory processing differences. See Helping a nervous child for more.
Not usually. Communication-based approaches are the starting point. Nitrous oxide, sedation or general anesthesia may be considered for some children, and the dentist will explain why and discuss the risks and alternatives with you first. See Nitrous oxide and Sedation.
Not if it follows good effort. The AAPD describes positive reinforcement and specific praise as helpful techniques. Praise the specific things your child did, like opening wide or using the stop signal, rather than just saying they were good.
The statements about how common dental anxiety is, what makes it worse, parents’ influence, behavior guidance techniques, advanced options and informed consent come from the AAPD best practice below. The suggestions to bring another calm adult, the signs that fear is more than mild, and the advice on rewards wording are general guidance from our team.
Review status: pending. No named reviewer or review date yet.
This website is for education only and does not replace care from your dentist, physician, or emergency services.