17/10/2026
Why are children so afraid of dental injections?
For many children, the fear comes from anticipation and uncertainty rather than only the physical sensation.
They may not know what is going to happen, what the instruments are for, or what the injection will feel like.
Dr Kapil Gupta explains how simple behaviour-guidance techniques can help make dental treatment less intimidating for children.
These may include:
тАв Calm, age-appropriate communication
тАв Topical numbing gel before local anesthesia when appropriate
тАв Distraction
тАв Positive reinforcement
тАв Reassurance
Parents can help too.
Avoid using dental injections as a threat for example:
тАЬIf you do not brush, the dentist will give you an injection.тАЭ
This can make children associate the dentist with punishment and increase their anxiety before they even reach the clinic.
Present dental visits as a normal part of staying healthy.
ЁЯУН Smirk Dental & Implant Centre
Laxmi Nagar, Delhi
Know a parent whose child is nervous about the dentist? Share this video with them.