I totally get what you mean. I’ve noticed a lot of adults tense up in the chair, not just kids. Walking people through each step isn’t just for the little ones—it’s honestly helpful for everyone. I always try to let folks know what’s coming, even if it’s just “Okay, you’ll feel a little pressure here,” or “This part takes about two minutes.” It’s wild how much it helps people relax.
Fidget toys are a great idea too. Some offices have stress balls or those squishy things in the waiting room, but not all bring them into the treatment area. I’ve seen patients bring their own, or just grip the armrest like it’s a lifeline (no shame, I’ve done it myself at the doctor’s). Making the space feel less clinical and more comfortable goes a long way, for kids and adults.
It’s funny, sometimes parents are more anxious than their kids, and when they see us explaining things, it calms everyone down. I wish more places did that across the board... not just in dentistry.
It’s funny, sometimes parents are more anxious than their kids, and when they see us explaining things, it calms everyone down.
That hits home for me. When my daughter had to get a filling, I thought she’d be the nervous one—but honestly, I was way more on edge. The dentist walked her through every step and even let her hold a little squishy toy during the wait. I could literally see her shoulders relax. The waiting is always the hardest part, especially if things run late, but having someone talk you through it really makes a difference. I wish more places offered headphones or music too; sometimes just tuning out the clinical sounds helps a ton.
I get what you’re saying about headphones and music—those can be a game changer for some kids (and adults). But I’ve actually noticed that sometimes, tuning out with music isn’t always the answer, especially if a child’s already anxious. If they’re listening to their favorite song but still seeing people in masks moving around or hearing unfamiliar noises, it can make them feel more isolated or even heighten their nerves. Have you ever noticed your daughter get more jumpy with headphones on, or does she just zone out in a good way?
I’m a big believer in distraction, but I lean more toward interactive stuff, like letting kids choose a sticker or even “help” with simple things—like holding the suction or counting instruments. I’ve seen some kids perk up when they feel involved, rather than just waiting and worrying. Maybe it’s a control thing? I remember this one little guy who wanted to know exactly what every tool did, and once we gave him a “tour,” he was basically running the show.
Waiting is tough, though, no doubt. I do think parents sometimes underestimate how much their own anxiety rubs off. I’ve had parents who pace or whisper about being scared, and the kids totally pick up on it, even if they look calm. Do you find your daughter asks more questions if you seem nervous, or does she just go with the flow?
Curious if anyone’s tried letting their kid bring a favorite book or even a small craft project for longer waits. I know screens are the usual fallback, but sometimes a hands-on distraction works better than headphones, at least in my experience.
Letting my son “help” pick the toothpaste flavor or count the tools made a huge difference for him. Headphones actually made him more tense—he’d flinch at every touch. A small Lego set worked better to keep his hands busy during longer waits.
