I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
Having a teenager with dental fear can be difficult as they often don't want to discuss it, and you may worry about how it will affect their oral health and dental care throughout their life. However, there are a few steps you can take to help them overcome their fear.
Get To The Root Of The Fear
In order to help your teenager, you need to find out why they are frightened of dentist visits. For example, have they had a bad experience in the past? This is a common cause, with Better Health explaining that a previous traumatic dental experience can cause lasting fear. If this is the case, it may help them to talk through their experience and worries and for you to reassure them. Perhaps they are worried about pain or about being told off by the dentist if they haven't brushed enough. Whatever the cause of your teenager's fear, there is a way you can talk through it, work on coping strategies with them and give them the help and support they need.
Help With Their Oral Hygiene Routine
If your teenager's dental fear is rooted in fear of painful treatments or being scolded by the dentist, it may come from a concern about the efficiency and adequacy of their oral hygiene routine. However, you should try hard to avoid being patronising in your help since they have been brushing independently for years. Simply make sure they have good toothpaste and a good toothbrush, such as an electronic one with a self-timer to ensure their brushing sessions are long enough. Stock your bathroom with floss, interdental brushes and mouthwash, and model good oral hygiene. If you think it would be helpful, provide them with information on specific dental care tasks — for example, the NHS offers comprehensive advice on efficient flossing.
Consider A Change Of Dental Care Provider
A complete change of dental practice and dentist may be a good way to help your teenager's fear, especially if their fear comes from a bad experience. Spend some time looking at practices near you, and look for one with a cheerful waiting room, friendly staff and experience in dealing with nervous patients. Speak to the dentist about your concerns, if possible, and try to get an idea of how they'll interact with your teenager. Teenagers often like to be treated like adults and to have things explained to them. As the Oral Health Foundation explains, it may also help if the dentist allows your teenager to listen to their own music or have a friend with them during the appointment.
By talking through the root of their fear, helping them to take care of their teeth and giving them a change of scenery with a new dentist, you can help your teenager have the best possible chance of overcoming dental fear.
Share