Your Kids Will
Love The Dentist!
Watching your child refuse to open their mouth during a dental appointment or cry at the mere mention of the dentist can leave you feeling helpless and wondering if every visit will be a struggle. Dental anxiety affects children of all ages, often stemming from unfamiliar sounds, bright lights, or previous uncomfortable experiences. When left unaddressed, this fear can lead to delayed treatment and long-term oral health problems.
At ABC Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jeffrey Singer and his team understand the unique challenges anxious children face when visiting the dentist. Serving families near Marlton, NJ, we have created a Disney-themed environment complete with animatronic parrots, arcade games, and themed treatment rooms designed to transform dental visits from frightening experiences into adventures children look forward to. Dr. Singer’s goofy, engaging personality helps children feel comfortable, while our specialized training in behavior management ensures each child receives gentle, patient-centered care.
Dental anxiety in children develops from various sources, and recognizing these triggers helps parents address fears more effectively. Some children inherit anxiety from parents who express their own dental fears, while others develop worries after hearing frightening stories from classmates or siblings.
Sensory sensitivities play a significant role in childhood dental anxiety. The whirring sounds of dental equipment, bright overhead lights, unfamiliar tastes of dental materials, and physical sensations of having hands in their mouth can overwhelm children with heightened sensory awareness. Previous negative experiences, whether from a rushed appointment or an insensitive approach, can create lasting associations between dental visits and discomfort.
Young children between ages three and six often fear separation from parents and the unfamiliarity of the dental environment. School-age children may develop anxiety from stories shared by peers or concerns about pain during procedures. Teenagers might feel self-conscious about their teeth or worry about judgment regarding their oral hygiene habits.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, approximately 20% of children experience significant dental anxiety, which can lead to avoided appointments and deteriorating oral health. Children who skip regular dental visits often develop preventable cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. By the time pain forces them to seek treatment, problems have typically progressed to more serious stages requiring extensive procedures.
The cycle continues as anxious children grow into anxious adults, often passing these fears to the next generation. Breaking this pattern requires finding a dental team trained in behavior management techniques that can help children develop positive associations with dental care. Regular visits become easier when children feel understood and supported rather than forced or rushed.
Compassionate dentist for anxious children near Marlton, NJ providing supportive, child-friendly dental care focused on easing fears, building confidence, and promoting healthy smiles for every young patient.
We recognize that every child’s anxiety manifests differently, so we adapt our approach to meet individual needs rather than using the same strategy for everyone. Dr. Singer’s training in pediatric dentistry included extensive education in child psychology and behavior management, allowing him to read each child’s comfort level and adjust accordingly.
Our office environment immediately sets us apart from traditional dental practices. The Disney-themed space features elements children recognize and love, helping them associate dental visits with fun rather than fear. Animatronic parrots greet children as they enter, arcade games provide positive distractions, and strategically placed televisions keep young patients engaged during procedures.
We employ several evidence-based approaches to help anxious children feel comfortable. Tell-show-do techniques allow children to understand what will happen before experiencing any procedure. We show them dental instruments, explain how they work in child-friendly language, and only proceed when the child demonstrates readiness. Voice control and positive reinforcement help children feel proud of their bravery while maintaining cooperation.
For children with severe anxiety or those requiring extensive treatment, we offer pediatric sedation dentistry through hospital-based general anesthesia. Unlike in-office sedation, our hospital setting provides board-certified anesthesiologists and advanced monitoring equipment, ensuring the safest possible environment for children needing comprehensive dental work completed in a single visit.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s attitudes toward dental care. Start by examining your own feelings about dentist visits, as children often mirror parental anxiety. Speak positively about dental appointments using encouraging language while avoiding words like “hurt,” “pain,” or “shot” that might increase worry.
Reading books about visiting the dentist, watching educational videos, or role-playing dental visits at home helps familiarize children with what to expect. Several effective strategies parents can implement include:
The key lies in creating positive dental experiences from the earliest age possible, ideally bringing children in for their first visit around their first birthday. Early visits establish dental care as a normal part of healthcare rather than something to fear.
Dr. Jeffrey Singer has been transforming dental experiences for anxious children throughout South Jersey for over 20 years. As a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and former Chief Resident at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Dr. Singer combines advanced clinical training with a genuine passion for helping children overcome dental fears. His recognition as Top Dentist for Pediatric Dentistry by Philadelphia Magazine reflects his commitment to exceptional, compassionate care.
Our practice serves families throughout Marlton, Cherry Hill, Stratford, Voorhees Township, and surrounding communities in South Jersey. Dr. Singer and our entire team understand the importance of building trust with anxious children, taking whatever time each child needs to feel comfortable before beginning any treatment. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your family’s needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help your child develop a lifetime of positive dental experiences.
Dr. Jeffrey Singer brings over 20 years of specialized pediatric dental expertise to families throughout South Jersey. As the founder of ABC Children's Dentistry in Voorhees, Dr. Singer combines exceptional clinical training with a uniquely compassionate approach that transforms routine dental visits into positive experiences children actually look forward to.
With advanced training in behavior management and hospital-based sedation dentistry, Dr. Singer provides complete pediatric dental services tailored to each child's unique needs. His expertise extends to treating children with special healthcare needs, ensuring every child receives comfortable, compassionate care in the safest possible environment.