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Dental Anxiety present in 20 - 30% of children
Parents May Unwittingly Pass Dental Fears to Children
Parents Can Reduce Children Dental Fears
Monday 24th March 2008: The Irish Dental Association today advised parents that they play a pivotal role in dispelling our ago old ear of the dentistby taking steps to ensure that their children do not suffer from dental anxiety a fear of going to the dentist.
The representative association of over 1,500 Irish dentists revealed that anecdotal evidence from its members suggests that 20% - 30% of children suffer some level of fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist, with one in ten children suffering from extreme levels of dental anxiety.
Dr Gerry Buckley, IDA, said, "There are various, often complex, causes of dental anxiety in which environmental and genetic factors may play a role. With the best will in the world parents often unwittingly transfer their own dental anxiety to their children. Parents can play a pivotal role in adapting the environmental factors which may impact on their children attitudes to dentistry. We encourage parents to notify the dentist or dental nurse in advance of the child first visit if they suspect that their child is likely to be anxious in the dental surgery."
Dr Buckley continued, "We would encourage parents not to mention their own dental experiences or anxieties in front of their child. Parents can help the child by adopting a positive attitude to the child visit to their dentist, especially when they are in the dental surgery. Praising the child and positive reinforcement of good behaviour will help to gain the child trust and increase their confidence. However, comments such as ou are very braveor here is nothing to be afraid ofwhich many parents hope will reassure their child can in fact trigger anxiety and result in the child failing to co-operate when in the dentist chair. Normalising the dental visit by explaining that children all over the world visit the dentist will help the child to be at ease with the dental examination."
Dr Buckley said, "Parents should ensure that a child avoids fearing the dentist by bringing them for a routine check-up when there are no underlying dental issues or concerns. This will ensure that child first visit to their local dentist is a pleasant one."
Dr Buckley concluded, "Regular check-ups with the dentist will also ensure that good dietary habits are pursued and ensure that preventative measures such as fissure sealants, which prevent decay, are provided. By following these simple steps, and readdressing their own attitude to dentistry, parents can help to ensure that the age old fear of going to the dentist becomes a thing of the past."
For further information contact:
Stephen McNamara
MRPA KINMAN Communications
Tel 353 1 703 8603 / 087 917 6941
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