Tag Archives: children dental fear

Pediatric Dentistry

How do pediatric dentists treat children who won’t cooperate?

Many dentists enjoy treating children, even children who are somewhat difficult to treat. They enjoy them, have fun with them, and find fulfillment in focusing on the children and helping them receive the care they need and deserve. However, even if a parent does all he or she can to prepare a child for their appointment, one of the biggest obstacles in treating children is their movement. Some children will not lay still.

Methods for Controlling Child Movement During Dental Procedures

One way a dentist could attempt to control movement is with the use of a mouth prop, called a molt mouth gag to prevent the young patients from biting down during a procedure, and causing further pain and damage.

photo of a mouth molt gag
Mouth molt gag

However, some children are more difficult to control and need more restraint, in order to treat them effectively and safely. Even with multiple attempts to calm them down, some children still throw their arms and legs, risking their safety and preventing treatment. For these children, parents will be asked for permission to physically restrain their child. When permission is granted, the dentist may wrap the child in a papoose, and then complete the treatment.

Child in dental office wrapped in papoose
Papoose

The papoose technique is not meant to be harmful, traumatic, or mean. It is only used on incredibly strong-willed children who refuse to lay still, thus making it impossible to treat them safely. It ultimately allows the child to calm down.

When the successful treatment is complete, the child will be congratulated, often given a chance to pick a toy or treat from the prize box or treasure chest, and walk away feeling good.

This article was provided by the office of Phoenix pediatric dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.

 

Pediatric Dentistry

Why won’t my daughter’s dentist use fluoride varnish?

Our previous pediatric dentist painted something on our daughter’s teeth, instead of using fluoride trays. We were thankful for this because it prevented the nasty taste that comes along with the trays.

Unfortunately, we had to change dental offices, for insurance reasons, and our new provider uses the trays. When I worriedly asked the hygienist, I was assured that this was a new foam version, with a better taste.

Well, my daughter hated it! She spat it out immediately and began crying hysterically.

When I asked about the painted version, used in our previous dental office, I was told it was “too new” and they don’t stock it. Was the painted version an experimental treatment used on my daughter? I am also now worried about how future dental visits will go.

Thank you,

Jen Smith

Dear Jen,

In regards to your question about the painted fluoride treatment, please rest assured that the varnish method is not experimental. It has been recommended by the American Academy of Dentists since 2006. It is the preferred method for children because it is easy to apply and tolerated much more positively by kids.

However, some dentists are resistant to change, even regarding something like fluoride varnish that has been successful for over a decade. The foam you are referring to is also safe, effective, and trusted, but the varnish is a more favorable option for children. It seems the choice to use the foam method is being made by personal preference, and your dentist should not have advised that it was “too new” or untrustworthy.

In regards to your question about your future dental visits being scared, please keep in mind that if you are fearful or nervous, your daughter will see this and feel the same. Dental trauma and anxiety can be difficult to overcome. If you are ever nervous or questioning a treatment that your child is receiving, try not to let this show on your face. If possible, ask to pause the treatment and speak to the provider in private, so as to not alarm your child. This will allow you to, hopefully, get your questions answered, and feel calm and confident going into the treatment, which will, in turn, help your child to feel the same and have a positive experience with her pediatric dentist.

This post is brought to you by the office of Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.