Children aren’t always known for practicing the best oral hygiene. So, it’s likely that your child will probably end up with a cavity at some point in their life. Going to the doctor or dentist as a kid can be intimidating, especially when needles and other sharp instruments are in play. But if your child needs dental fillings in Chapel Hill, NC, there are some steps you can take to help reduce their anxiety. By catching a cavity early and explaining the process to your children, their first dental filling could go quickly and smoothly.

How to Help Your Child’s First Cavity Appointment

Getting children to go to the dentist and care for their oral hygiene can often feel like pulling teeth. But with the right approach, you can help soothe their worries and reduce the chances of their cavities developing into more significant dental concerns.

Understand Your Child’s Anxiety

The first step in helping your child through a dental filling is understanding their anxiety. To you, going to the dentist or getting a filling is just a tiny discomfort or scheduling hassle. However, it can feel like a major threat to a child. Especially for their first time, children are more likely to experience high nervousness and anxiety when getting a filling. Thus, it’s important that you don’t dismiss their feelings or tell them to just push through it. Instead, offer words of encouragement and positive reinforcement to help them understand the importance of proper dental care.

Explain the Process and Encourage Questions

Fear of the unknown can be a significant factor in most anxiety cases. And for children who are still learning about most of the world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by that fear. Before their appointment, sit down with your child and walk them through the process. Explain any sedation or anesthesia methods being used and what steps the dentist will take to help make their teeth healthy again.

While at your appointment, be sure to encourage your child to ask questions about the dental filling process. If they’re shy or uncomfortable asking, have them write down or dictate their questions to you so you can ask the dentist for them. Many pediatric dentists will schedule additional time in a child’s appointment to allow for settling in and reducing nerves. If you’re worried about your child’s anxiety, be sure to discuss appointment times with your dentist to allow for adequate adjustment once you arrive.

Does your Child Need Dental Fillings in Chapel Hill, NC?

Children are more likely to get cavities than adults. They’re also more likely to experience anxiety and fear when getting a filling. But pediatric dental fillings in Chapel Hill, NC, don’t have to be a big deal. At Tarheel Family Dentistry, we know how important it is to make sure your child is comfortable and safe while getting any dental work. Our pediatric dentists will work with you to help your child have as quick and stress-free a dental filling as possible. If you suspect your child has a cavity, call us immediately to schedule an appointment. The sooner a dentist cleans and fills a cavity, the less chance your child has of developing further dental problems.