Dental Anxiety in Children

Fear of the Dentist

It’s common for children—and adults—to feel afraid, stressed, or anxious when it comes to visiting their dentist. While many kids don’t enjoy going to the dentist, they don’t necessarily feel fear or anxiety but some children experience very real fear and anxiety. If parents and dentists don’t work together early on to reduce/eliminate these fears, it can develop into an actual phobia. At Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry, our office is designed to help children feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable at each of their visits. We work at every visit to minimize fears and create positive dental experiences for children.

Why Do Children Fear the Dentist?

It’s normal to feel a little anxiety when a visit to the dentist is coming up, especially for children. But, to help your child with their dental anxiety, you should understand the reasons they’re feeling anxious.

  • Pain. Whether your child has heard about a painful experience that a parent or sibling had or if they’ve had a painful experience themselves, it’s understandable that they’re afraid. Children also often are afraid of needles associated with some dental work.
  • Embarrassment. If a child has obvious oral health issues, such as decay, they can feel self-conscious and embarrassed.
  • Lack of control. Fear of losing control is related to the fear of pain. A child knows that the big person with the pointy instruments is in charge. If there’s pain or discomfort, the child may very likely feel that he or she has no control over it.

Helping Your Child Overcome Dental Anxiety

As a parent, you can help your child manage and overcome their fears. We’ve included some of our dental anxiety management tips so you can help your children have a positive experience at every dental visit.

  1. Take them to the dentist early on. It’s recommended children visit a dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday.
  2. Visit a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists are uniquely trained in caring for children’s oral health, including helping them feel safe and comfortable during visits.
  3. Let them bring something that comforts them such as a toy or blanket. This helps your child feel more comfortable during their entire visit.
  4. Speak positively about dental visits. The way you speak about the dentist can directly impact how your child sees the dentist; so it’s important that you don’t speak poorly about dental visits.
  5. Focus on practicing good oral health habits at home. When children are familiar with brushing, flossing, and the importance of oral health, it helps them have fewer oral health issues and more-positive experiences at the dentist.
  6. Give positve reniforcment. Before, during, and after dental visits, give your child praise for being able to take the steps required to have a healthy smile.

If you have any questions about pediatric dental anxiety or are ready to schedule your child’s dental visit—contact the Grin Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team in Colorado.

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See Contact & Location Information

Grin Pediatric Dentistry – Aurora, CO

18801 E Hampden Ave #178
Aurora, CO 80013
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 399-1227

Grin Pediatric Dentistry – Brighton, CO

2700 E. Bridge St. #201
Brighton, CO 80601
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Hours

Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(303) 659-7700

Grin Pediatric Dentistry – Lakewood, CO

7475 W Colfax #103
Lakewood, CO 80214
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 512-2879

Dental Emergency?

We’re available after hours for emergencies! Our office is located in the same shopping center as Walmart, right across the street from The Home Depot.

Grin Pediatric Dentistry — Northglenn, CO

420 E 120th Ave Unit B-11
Northglenn, CO 80233
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 453-3277

Grin Pediatric Dentistry — Centennial, CO

6870 S University Blvd
Centennial, CO 80122
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 277-5930

(Temporarily Closed) Grin Pediatric Dentistry — Denver, CO

2910 E Colfax Ave #110
Denver, CO 80206

Hours

Temporarily Closed

Phone

(720) 285-7972

Dental Emergency?

We’re available after hours for emergencies! Our office is located directly across from the Walgreens and Walmart.