{"id":104,"date":"2024-06-09T15:11:58","date_gmt":"2024-06-09T15:11:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hamiltonpediatrics.ca\/blog\/?p=104"},"modified":"2024-07-21T15:15:50","modified_gmt":"2024-07-21T15:15:50","slug":"addressing-anxiety-what-causes-dental-phobias","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hamiltonpediatrics.ca\/blog\/2024\/06\/09\/addressing-anxiety-what-causes-dental-phobias\/","title":{"rendered":"Addressing Anxiety: What Causes Dental Phobias?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Although many people of all ages experience dental anxiety, it can be particularly challenging for children. However, your pediatric dentist doesn\u2019t want your kid\u2019s worry to prevent them from receiving essential care to protect their still-developing smile. Many providers are licensed to administer different sedatives<\/a>, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to keep them calm and comfortable during their appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a parent, it can also be helpful to understand the underlying cause of your child\u2019s fear to help them overcome it. With that in mind, keep reading to learn more about dental phobias and what you can do to minimize their impact!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Dental Anxiety?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a difference between general worry about dental work and a deeply rooted fear. While anxiety is common, phobias are less so and may require special accommodations to manage. It can be hard to know how deeply this impacts your little one if they\u2019re too small to express their concerns verbally. They may lash out physically or emotionally instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child exhibits these symptoms, they may be suffering from dentophobia (fear of dentists):<\/p>\n\n\n\n