Children experience many firsts: first tooth, first words, first step, first birthday and first haircut.  And parents want to be prepared for every step of their child's new life experiences, including dental visits.  Only parents willing to model positive attitueds should accompany their child on a dental visit, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

 

Parents averse to their own dental visits may transmit negative messages to children before, during and after a dental treatment.  "Fearful parents can actually create a nervous and anxious child," says Jane Soxmon, DDS, pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.  "Parents who are afraid of the dentist need to change their mindset."

 

Most children are not only comfortable, but even curious during a first dental exam and cavity-filling procedures.  However, a child may become problematic when the accompanying parent laces soothing messages with hints of fear or anxiety and relays incorrect assumptions about procedures.