Children’s Dental Visits & Anxiety
Every child responds differently to visiting the dentist. Dr Hannah and her team take a gentle, supportive approach to help children feel comfortable and prepared for dental visits.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Dr Hannah and our team want your child’s first visit to be positive. We take the time to help each child feel comfortable while learning about their teeth and oral health. At the first visit, we aim to:
Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit
There are a few simple things you can do to help your child feel comfortable and prepared:
- Stay positive and relaxed. Children often pick up on how their parents are feeling.
- Avoid talking about pain, needles, blood or negative dental experiences.
- Explain the visit in simple, positive language. You could tell them the dentist will count their teeth, take pictures and make sure their teeth are healthy.
- Let your child watch a parent or older sibling have a dental visit first if they are nervous.
- Bring a favourite toy or outfit if it helps make the visit feel special.
- Where possible, bring your child without younger siblings, as one-on-one attention can help reduce distractions.
What If My Child Is Unable to Sit Still for Dental Treatment?
Some children need extra support to feel comfortable during dental treatment. If your child is very anxious or has difficulty sitting still, Dr Hannah may recommend in-chair sedation using nitrous oxide, commonly known as happy gas.
Nitrous oxide can help your child feel more relaxed while remaining awake and able to communicate with the dental team.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Happy Gas)
Dr Hannah may recommend nitrous oxide if she believes it will help your child have a better treatment experience, particularly if they experience dental anxiety.
About Happy Gas
Before the Appointment
Practise with the mask
Your child may be provided with a “koala nose” mask to practise with before their appointment. Have them hold the mask securely over their nose while lying down, such as when brushing their teeth before bed. This helps them become familiar with what will happen at their appointment.
Have something small to eat
Give your child something small to eat before the appointment, as the numb sensation can last for a few hours after treatment.
Pain relief
If your dentist has directed you to give your child an appropriate dose of children’s pain relief one hour before treatment, give it as directed.
After the Appointment
If your child has received local anaesthetic, they may have a numb lip or cheek for a few hours.
Do not leave your child unsupervised after treatment while they are numb, as they may accidentally bite their lip or cheek without realising it.
Need an appointment?
Give your child a positive start at the dentist. Book a visit today.
New patients are welcome, and no referral is required.
Maximise Health Fund Benefits
We accept ALL health funds. We are Preferred Provider for the following major health funds, helping you get the highest possible rebates.
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