When it comes to dental visits and check-ups, many people can spot when they are feeling a bit apprehensive about the whole process.
But if you have children, what are some of the signs that they may be struggling with their biannual trip to see our team?
While very young children may be a bit fearful of seeing a dentist, this is usually due to unfamiliarity and can usually be overcome with a few visits. But if your child is a bit older and still irritable whenever you remind them that it is time for a check-up, it is likely that they may be developing anxiety around dental care.
At Crofts Dental Practice, we are extremely sympathetic to all of our nervous patients in Essex and aim to help them overcome their anxiety or phobias, regardless of their age. We will take the time to listen to your child’s concerns and help them to see our team as caring professionals, who only want them to be happy and healthy!
But what are some of the signs that your child may be developing anxieties around dental check-ups? Read on to find out.
Irritability
We have already mentioned irritability and while you could be forgiven for assuming that this is limited to toddlers, we see many nervous patients in Essex of all ages who display irritability when they come to see us.
This is easy to spot; if you mention to your child that it is time to go to a check-up and they react with tutting or irritation, it may be worth coming to see our team for a more compassionate approach to a check-up.
Procrastination
While younger children cannot procrastinate their way out of a dental check-up, many nervous patients in Essex in their teenage years will delay attending our surgery, saying they will do so next week or when they have time.
As you know, delayed treatment can result in minor issues becoming more severe, so talk to your child about their worries and if necessary, come to our surgery with them.
Distraction
The day before a check-up is scheduled, does your child seem distracted?
This can be a sign that they are worried and while it never hurts to ask what their concerns are, try to do so in a way that doesn’t put them on the spot.
Remember, our team at Crofts Dental are dedicated to helping patients who have anxieties, so if you have worries that your child is developing anxiety around attending the dentist, our team can help.
Physical responses
In the waiting room, is your child fidgeting? Shaking?
Please talk to our team before they come in to see us; such signs of anxiety are quite serious and we will aim to alleviate their concerns before they get into the surgery chair.
Emotional responses
Does your kid have outbursts on the morning of their check-up?
This is a sign of intense distress so talk to our team about how both you and us can manage this issue.