FYI

Dental anxiety in children is common. As dentists, you see firsthand how fear can impact cooperation, treatment efficiency and long-term oral health outcomes. What’s less visible is how much of that anxiety begins before a child ever sits in the chair.

To better understand what truly works, we gathered first-hand insights from parents about what helped their children’s dental experiences. Combined with evidence-based pediatric dental techniques, here are some practical strategies that’ll help you support young patients who come in feeling unsure or anxious.
 

What you can do to facilitate a stress-free experience:

1. Address parental anxiety first — it’s contagious

Parents consistently reported that their own nerves were often mirrored by their children. When parents are anxious, kids sense it immediately. Helping them feel confident often lowers a child’s anxiety before treatment even starts.

What you can do:

• Use calm, confident language when speaking with parents, especially in front of the child.
• Reassure parents about routine procedures before the appointment begins.
• Normalize fear while emphasizing that dental visits are safe, routine and preventive.
   

2. Encourage advance preparation at home

Parents shared that children did better when they knew what to expect. Watching age-appropriate dental videos or reading books about dental visits helped reduce fear of the unknown.

What you can do:

• Recommend specific preparation tools (videos, books or your practice’s own welcome content) during appointment reminders or on your website. This positions your practice as a partner in anxiety prevention, not just treatment.
• Encourage pretend play at home as well as during the visit. Kids who “played dentist” at home felt more confident during real visits.
  
  

3. Normalize comfort items and sensory support

Many parents noted that allowing a favorite toy, blanket or music made a dramatic difference. Small accommodations can significantly reduce stress responses.

What you can do:

• Encourage parents to bring comfort items.
• Offer headphones or calming music.
• Use gentle, predictable movements to avoid sensory overload.
   

4. Slow the pace by building time into pediatric appointments

Rushing was a common trigger for anxiety. Children need time to transition, especially if they’re already nervous. A slower start often leads to a smoother procedure overall.

What you can do:

• Build buffer time for pediatric or first-time visits.
• Allow a few minutes for acclimation to the chair and environment.
• Avoid immediately reclining the chair when possible.
   

5. Emphasize routine, not treatment

Parents found that framing visits as “routine checkups” rather than problem-based appointments reduced fear.

What you can do:

• Use messaging like, “We’re just checking to make sure your teeth are growing strong.” or “Dentists help keep your whole body healthy.”
• Reinforce oral health as part of overall wellness to help children see visits as essential, not threatening.
   

6. Use simple breathing and relaxation techniques

Guided breathing is a simple, effective, in-office tool for anxious children. These techniques give children an active role in calming themselves.

Examples:

• “Smell the flowers, blow out the candles”
• Counting breaths together
• Pairing breathing with hand signals or visuals
   

7. Reinforce positive behavior, immediately and often

When caring for anxious pediatric patients, positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for reducing stress and encouraging cooperation.

What you can do:

• Use verbal praise for effort.
• Give out stickers, tokens or small rewards.
• Celebrate milestones like first visits or cleaning.
   

8. Make parents a part of the care team

When parents feel informed and empowered children benefit. A collaborative approach builds trust and consistency between home and office.

Consider providing:

• A pre-visit guide for anxious children
• Talking points parents can use at home
• Clear expectations for first visits
   

Helping children feel comfortable is an essential part of the care you provide. When kids feel safe and supported, visits go more smoothly and parents take notice. In fact, a dentist’s ability to connect with children and ease their fears is often a key reason families choose (and stay with) a practice.

By using simple, parent-approved calming strategies, you can build trust with both children and parents, creating positive experiences that last well beyond the appointment.