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Massage and Other Approaches to Alleviate Dental Chair Anxiety
During a recent educational session, a participant raised a pertinent question: could massage help alleviate the dental anxiety of her 5-year-old son? Without hesitation, I affirmed with a resounding yes!
Several of us in the group chimed in to propose additional solutions. It dawned on me that numerous parents, including myself, have encountered similar challenges when taking their children to the dentist. Our eldest son, J. Morgan, fell squarely into this category. My remedy? I realized that the sensation of being laid back in the dental chair made J. Morgan feel confined. So, I simply inquired, "Is there a way to clean his teeth with him standing up?" The dentist readily agreed, leading to a successful visit and a happy outcome.
A Few More Suggestions for Dental Anxiety
Brushing at Home
Mix things up!
Brush your child's teeth with them lying down, looking up at you, in the same position the dentist will use.
Glove Up
Make it "normal"
Wear a pair of surgical gloves, like what the dentist wears when brushing your child's teeth.
Lend a Hand
Offer them a glove
Allow your child supervised play with the surgical gloves to become used to the smell and texture.
Be Cool!
Bring Sunglasses
Equip your child with sunglasses during dental appointments to mitigate bright exam lights.
Massage Therapy
Gentle massage techniques can help relax the child's muscles and reduce tension and anxiety before and during the dental appointment. By promoting relaxation, massage can help create a more positive and comfortable experience for the child, making it easier for them to tolerate dental procedures.
Change Positions
Some children may feel more comfortable standing up rather than lying back in the dental chair. By asking the dentist if it's possible to clean the child's teeth while they are standing, parents can help alleviate feelings of confinement and make the experience more comfortable for their child.
Create Familiarity
Create a familiar and calming environment during dental visits by bringing along familiar objects such as a favorite toy or blanket to help comfort your child during the appointment. Let the child watch you get your teeth cleaned and checked too, so it's less scary and they can model your behavior.
Progress - Not Perfection!
Remember, our aim is progress, not perfection. Therefore, if your child manages just 10 minutes before expressing a desire to leave, that's perfectly alright. The objective is to foster a positive experience that paves the way for subsequent visits.
Dental anxiety in children is a common concern among parents and caregivers. The fear of dental procedures can lead to distressing experiences for both the child and the dental team. However, there are various strategies that can help alleviate this anxiety and make dental visits more manageable for children.
Overall, there are many strategies that parents can try to help their child cope with dental anxiety and make dental visits more manageable. By exploring different approaches and finding what works best for their child, parents can help ensure that dental visits are a positive and stress-free experience for the whole family.
