Helping Kids with Dental Anxiety
For many children, a trip to the dentist can trigger anxiety and fear. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, transforming these negative feelings into genuine enthusiasm for dentist visits isn't just a goal—it's our specialty.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Your child may have dental anxiety if they feel afraid or nervous about dental visits, and it can range from feeling mildly uneasy to severe distress.
It often forms in childhood and can develop after negative experiences, from fear of pain, from fear of loss of control, or can even develop from a parent’s own anxiety about dentist visits.
Signs Your Child Has Dental Anxiety:
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Attempting to avoid dental appointments
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Resisting or crying at the dentist
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Racing heart, sweating, or visible distress
It’s important to address dental anxiety early to help establish positive, life-long dental habits!
Creating a Comfortable Environment for Anxious Kids
From the moment a child walks into Mini Miners, they encounter a space designed with their comfort in mind:
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Engaging waiting area with arcade games, a slide, and train tracks on the floors.
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Entertainment during treatment with TVs mounted on the ceiling, allowing children to relax and “tune out” any stress.
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Private treatment rooms rather than open bay layouts to prevent overwhelming your child with a comfortable, cozy space.
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Adjustable chairs that can be positioned for children who feel anxious when lying back.
Patient-Led Pacing and the Power of Choice
Anxiety often stems from feeling powerless. We believe it’s really important to move at a child’s pace. For kids who are anxious, that means not pushing kids beyond their comfort level, gradually building trust and familiarity, and celebrating small victories and progress!
Mini Miners also gives kids appropriate choices throughout their visit:
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Selecting their movie to watch during treatment
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Choosing toothpaste and fluoride flavors
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Picking prizes from the toy tower after their visit
Request a “Happy Visit” for your anxious kid. They can play in the waiting room, walk through the office, sit in a chair, and get a prize!
Parents as Partners
We know many parents have their own dental anxieties. We hope to ease parents’ fears by making you a partner in your child’s dental treatment. You are always welcome in our treatment rooms and will be a part of any decision-making about treatment.
Kids won’t hear four-letter words here: shot, pain, or hurt!
Our "No Scary Words" Policy
Language matters, especially for anxious children. That’s why we have a "no scary words" policy.
We avoid four-letter words like “shot,” “hurt,” “pain,” as well as “needle” or “bleeding.” Instead, we focus on kid-friendly terms and explain procedures in age-appropriate ways that make kids feel safe.
Ease your Child’s Dental Anxiety at Mini Miners in Erie, CO
We understand that transforming anxiety doesn't happen overnight, but with patience, expertise, and genuine care, even the most anxious children can develop positive associations with dental care.
Have questions about your child’s visit or our approach to dental anxiety?
