How to Calm Nervous Children Before the Dentist: Tips for Parents
For many children, a trip to the dentist can trigger anxiety, tears, or even outright fear. As parents, it’s natural to worry about how your little ones will cope, and at the same time, we know how important it is to maintain good oral health from an early age.
At our holistic dental practice, we understand these concerns and do everything in our power to make each visit a positive, reassuring experience. With our specialist paediatric dentist london, Sara Johnstone, leading the way, we combine expert care with gentle, holistic approaches to keep your child calm, happy, and comfortable.
Understanding Dental Anxiety in Children
Dental anxiety is surprisingly common, with studies showing that up to 20% of children experience significant fear about dental visits.[1] For some, it may stem from previous experiences, the sound of dental tools, or simply the unfamiliar environment. Other children may pick up on the anxiety of parents or siblings. Recognising and validating these feelings is the first step in helping your child feel safe.
Early childrens dentistry is crucial because they can shape a child’s attitude towards oral health for life. When children associate the dentist with fear and discomfort, they may resist care, which can lead to untreated dental issues. Conversely, positive, calm experiences can foster confidence and a lifelong habit of good oral hygiene.
Holistic Approaches to Calming Children
At our practice, we take a holistic approach to pediatric dental care. This means considering the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of your child, not just their teeth. From the moment your child walks through our doors, we create an environment that promotes relaxation and wellbeing.
Some holistic strategies we use include:
- Soothing Environment: Soft lighting, calm music, and child-friendly décor can make a dental room feel less clinical and more welcoming.
- Aromatherapy: Certain calming scents can help reduce anxiety naturally.
- Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques: Teaching children simple breathing exercises can empower them to manage their own anxiety.
- Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding bravery with praise or small treats encourages a positive association with dental care.
- Inhalation sedation (Happy Gas): A safe and effective option for anxious children, inhalation sedation uses a carefully controlled mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide to help your child feel calm and relaxed.
By combining these approaches with gentle communication and a pace tailored to your child’s comfort, we aim to reduce stress at every stage of the visit.
Preparing Your Child at Home
Preparation at home can play a big role in calming your child before a dental appointment. Here are some practical tips:
- Talk Openly: Use age-appropriate language to explain what will happen at the dentist. Emphasise that the visit is to help keep their teeth healthy and that the dentist is there to help them feel comfortable.
- Role Play: Play “dentist” at home using a toothbrush, mirror, or toy dental kit. This familiarises your child with the procedures in a fun, non-threatening way.
- Read Books or Watch Videos: Many child-friendly books and videos depict positive dental experiences and can help normalise the process.
- Stay Calm Yourself: Children often mirror adult emotions. Speaking positively and calmly about the dentist can help your child feel reassured.
- Bring Comfort Items: A favorite toy, blanket, or even headphones for music can provide a sense of security in the dental chair. We can also provide noise-cancelling headphones for your child.
Gentle and Safe Dental Care
One of the unique aspects of our practice is our commitment to fluoride-free and BPA-free care. Many parents are concerned about the chemicals found in some dental products. We carefully select materials and methods that are safe, non-toxic, and gentle for children, giving you peace of mind that your child is receiving the healthiest care possible.
Our team also understands that some children may have medical sensitivities, allergies, or heightened anxiety, and we tailor every appointment to their needs. This personalised, compassionate approach is central to how we help children feel safe and in control.
The Role of Sedation Dentistry
For children who experience extreme anxiety or have difficulty sitting still, sedation dentistry can be a valuable tool. Under the supervision of our experienced paediatric dentist, Sara Johnstone, sedation allows children to undergo necessary treatments comfortably and safely.
Common sedation options include:
- Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide): Also known as “laughing gas,” or happy gas, this helps children relax while remaining awake and able to respond to instructions.
- Oral Sedation: A mild sedative taken by mouth can help anxious children feel calm during procedures. Prescribed by your GP.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation: For more complex treatments, IV sedation can ensure a deeper level of relaxation under strict monitoring.
Sedation is available when needed to prevent trauma and ensure positive dental experiences. Importantly, sedation is paired with gentle, holistic care so your child feels safe and supported before, during, and after treatment.
Tips for Keeping Children Calm in the Chair
Even with preparation and holistic strategies, it’s helpful to have tools to calm your child during the visit itself. Our specialist children’s dentist in London will:
- Explain Each Step: Let your child know what’s happening before each action. “We’re just going to count your teeth now” is far less intimidating than silence or sudden movements.
- Use Distraction: Music, stories, or videos on a tablet can focus attention away from the procedure.
- Practice Stop Signals: Encourage your child to raise a hand if they feel uncomfortable, giving them a sense of control.
- Encourage Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths help relax muscles and lower anxiety.
- Positive Talk and Reassurance: Remind them they’re doing well and praise their courage frequently.
Benefits of Keeping Children Calm
Helping children feel calm and relaxed at the dentist isn’t just about avoiding tears, it has lasting benefits:
- Better Oral Health: Calm children are more likely to sit still for thorough examinations and treatments, reducing the risk of untreated decay.
- Lower Anxiety Long-Term: Positive dental experiences early on reduce fear of future visits.
- Improved Cooperation at Home: Children who learn to manage dental anxiety may be more cooperative with brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene routines.
- Overall Emotional Wellbeing: Teaching children healthy coping mechanisms for stress builds resilience in other areas of life.
By prioritizing calm, holistic care, we aim to make dental visits a positive experience that supports your child’s physical and emotional health.
About Our Specialist Paediatric Dentist: Sara Johnstone
About Dr Sara Johnstone:
At the heart of our pediatric care is Sara Johnstone, our specialist paediatric dentist. Sara brings years of experience and a gentle, empathetic approach to every appointment. She understands that every child is unique, and she tailors her techniques to each personality and need.
Sara is skilled in both traditional and holistic methods of care, ensuring that even nervous children can receive effective treatment without fear or trauma. Whether it’s routine check-ups, preventive care, or more complex dental procedures, she combines expertise with a calm, nurturing presence that reassures both children and parents alike.
A Happy, Stress-Free Dental Visit
At our practice, we believe that a child’s first dental experiences should be positive and empowering. From our fluoride-free, BPA-free materials to sedation options and holistic calming strategies, every aspect of care is designed to keep your child comfortable, happy, and confident.
With preparation, gentle techniques, and the guidance of Sara Johnstone, children learn that visiting the dentist is not something to fear, it’s a chance to take care of themselves, build healthy habits, and feel proud of their bravery.
Your child’s comfort and wellbeing are always our top priority. By combining evidence-based dental care with holistic, compassionate support, we help make every visit a positive, memorable experience.
Tips Recap for Parents:
- Prepare your child at home with honest explanations and role-play
- Maintain a calm, positive attitude
- Bring comfort items and use distraction techniques
- Encourage deep breathing and use positive reinforcement
- Consider sedation if your child is extremely anxious
Every child deserves a dental visit that leaves them smiling, not stressed. At our practice, we’re here to make that happen, one gentle, happy visit at a time.
To book your child’s dental check up with our london paediatric specialist dentist, Sara Johnstone, call us today on 020 3921 1000 or email hello@optimaldental.co.uk. In a rush? You can book online here using our easy online booking system.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our childrens dentist in Lonodn, Optimal Dental Health in Baker Street.
