The Importance of Understanding the Role A Child’s First Dental Appointment Plays in Future Dental Anxiety

For individuals suffering from dental fear and anxiety, it is quite probable that this developed from an early age and worsened over time due to it not being addressed. A child’s first dental appointment is vital for so many reasons, one of which is its role in paving the way on how your child feels about dental appointments moving forward. Dr. Sona Isharani and her team at Triad Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, NC, want to make your child’s first dental visit one which is remembered for the gentle, kind care they received. It is suggested that a child’s first dental appointment happen once they get their first tooth.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

Making the dental appointment feel as comfortable and safe as possible is a huge factor in viewing future dental appointments. For your child to feel calm when they arrive for their first appointment, you (the parent) must find your calm. Understandably, parents may be nervous about bringing their child in for that first appointment. If your child is older and coming in for their first appointment, it is best to discuss the appointment without involving any negative words which may frighten them. It may even help for you to act like their dental appointment is an exciting event. Children tend to pick up the optimistic attitude put forth by parents.

When choosing a pediatric dentist, you should ask what specialized training the dentist has received for treating children. Many pediatric dentists should have at least two years of additional training to ensure they are good at handling children. A negative experience during the first dental visit can result in the child having a negative connotation when it comes to the dentist. Meet the dentist before the first appointment to get a feel on if they will be a good fit.

Dr. Sona Isharani and her team at Triad Pediatric Dentistry are excited to meet your child and show them that going to the dentist is not something they ever need to be afraid of. Dr. Isharani is well respected for providing the quality, nurturing, and gentle dental care your child needs. To schedule an appointment, please call (336) 804-8668.