Is it hard for you to get your child to the dentist’s office? Do they struggle with dental anxiety? If you’re unsure why, you might consider looking at some of the movies and television shows they watch. Unfortunately, dentists can be portrayed as scary characters who only want to inflict pain, but this is far from the truth. Learn how you can ease your child’s fears with sedation dentistry and how you can remind them that their dentist is their friend.
How Do Media and Entertainment Portray Dentists?
If you look at the catalog of movies and TV shows available to children, you will discover there are several that do not present dentists in a positive light. Instead of reminding kids that these professionals are their friends, they make them appear scary or strict. Here are a few examples:
- In “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Willy Wonka’s father is a stern dentist who forbids Willy from eating any candy.
- In “Finding Nemo,” the dentist who keeps Nemo in his office aquarium allows his niece to abuse the fish and hurts a patient by accidentally pulling a tooth too quickly because he was startled.
Unfortunately, some directors have also turned the innocence of The Tooth Fairy into something scary by creating various horror films that focus on the dangers that lurk when someone loses a tooth.
How You Can Ease Your Child’s Mind About the Dentist
If you want to make sure that your child has a positive experience at the dentist’s office, you can find a wide range of books and videos that showcase these professionals in a positive light. You can also ask about sedation dentistry before their next visit.
Many pediatric dentists understand these appointments can be overwhelming for young patients, which is why they offer nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, and hospital dentistry. Whether it’s mild anxiety that only requires that they take the edge off with laughing gas or a more complex procedure that involves using general anesthesia, your child’s dentist can provide the right solution based on their unique needs.
There’s no reason for your child to be fearful about their upcoming visit. Just because the movies tell one story, their pediatric dentist tells another. As a friend who wants what is best for your child’s smile, your little one can enjoy their time in the treatment chair.
About the Practice
Our team at Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry wants to dispel the myths and incorrect depictions about dentists. We don’t believe children should be scared to visit our office, so we offer solutions that are designed to curb anxiety and create a more enjoyable experience. With sedation dentistry, we can help your child feel more at ease, all while we deliver the friendly, compassionate care that the movies and TV shows try to disprove. Visit our website or call (413) 584-7773 to schedule an appointment to discuss your child’s eligibility for sedation.