If your child feels nervous about visiting the dentist, calling our office before the appointment can make all the difference. We find that parents who reach out ahead of time allow us to address concerns, suggest preparation strategies tailored to your child’s needs, and help prevent the common mistake of over-preparing, which can actually increase anxiety rather than reduce it.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Beaverton, Drs. Tesha Waggoner understands that each child’s comfort level is different. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach to patient resources, our team takes the time to discuss your child’s personality, previous experiences, and specific worries so we can recommend the right level of preparation.
The Problem with Over-Preparing Your Child
Many well-meaning parents believe that talking extensively about an upcoming dental visit will help ease their child’s fears. However, this approach can backfire. When children receive too much advanced information, they may spend days or weeks worrying about something they don’t fully understand. They might imagine scenarios far worse than reality or ask repeated questions that increase their stress.
Think about how you approach other routines in your child’s life. You don’t give them a detailed breakdown of what will happen at school each day because it would be overwhelming. Dental cleanings work the same way. Children often do best when they can experience the visit naturally, with our team guiding them through each step in real time.
Why Calling Our Office First Helps
If you contact us before your appointment, we can provide specific guidance tailored to your child’s age and temperament. For younger children, we might suggest keeping explanations simple and positive. For children with previous negative experiences or heightened anxiety, we can discuss showing them our social stories, which are picture-based walkthroughs of our office that help familiarize them with what they’ll see and experience.
Our social stories video allows anxious children to virtually tour our space, see our friendly team, and understand the visit process without feeling overwhelmed. This visual approach provides them with just enough information to feel prepared without the anxiety that comes from lengthy conversations or excessive detail.
Our Approach During the Visit
Parents sometimes want to help by using distraction techniques or coping strategies during the appointment. While your intentions are supportive, having too many people trying to guide your child can actually create more stress. We describe this as “too many cooks in the kitchen.” Our team members are trained in age-appropriate communication and gentle guidance techniques that help children feel calm and in control.
We encourage parents to be a silent observer or helper during the visit. Your presence provides comfort, but allowing our team to lead the interaction helps your child focus and builds their confidence. Many children perform better when they return for cleanings and treatment independently, much as they handle school or other activities.
Special Accommodations for Different Needs
Every child is unique, and some need extra support to feel comfortable. Our office provides several accommodations to help children with varying comfort levels and sensory needs:
- Weighted blankets: For children who find deep pressure calming and soothing during their visit.
- Adjustable lighting: Dimmed or customized lighting for those sensitive to bright environments.
- Movie options: The ability to watch a favorite movie during longer procedures to provide a distraction.
- In-office dogs: Children who respond well to animal interactions benefit from meeting Meyers (mornings) or CJ (afternoons), who provide comforting companionship.
- Mr. Dragon puppet: Our educational puppet demonstrates proper brushing techniques and explains dental procedures in a friendly, approachable way.
These tools allow us to meet your child where they are and adapt our approach to their individual needs. We understand that children with sensory sensitivities or developmental differences may need additional accommodations, and we work closely with families to create the most comfortable environment possible.
Building Positive Long-Term Associations
Children form lasting impressions about healthcare based on early experiences. When we work together to create positive dental visits, your child develops healthy attitudes that carry into adulthood. Research shows that establishing good oral health habits early helps children maintain regular dental care throughout their lives.
Our goal is not just to complete the appointment, but to help your child feel capable and proud of caring for their teeth. When children feel respected and supported during dental visits, they’re more likely to continue dental care without fear as they grow.
Dr. Waggoner brings years of experience working with children of all abilities and comfort levels. Their approach focuses on building trust and creating positive associations that last a lifetime.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry
If your child feels anxious about dental visits, we’re here to help. Reach out to us before your appointment so we can discuss the best preparation approach for your family. Our team at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry will work with you to create a positive, comfortable experience that sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.Contact us today to schedule your child’s visit or to discuss how we can support your anxious child.