Implant + Perio Clinic

One of the most common things parents say when they bring their child to see me is: “They’re really nervous.” Usually, they say it before their child has even sat in the chair. Sometimes they apologise in advance. Sometimes they look more worried than their child does. The truth is that being nervous about the dentist is completely normal. For a child, a dental practice can feel like a very unfamiliar place. There are new faces, unusual sounds and an environment they do not yet understand. Some children walk straight into the surgery, climb into the chair and start asking questions.

Others prefer to stand close to a parent for a while and take everything in first. Both are perfectly normal. One of the things I have learned over the years is that children rarely need to be rushed. Most simply need the opportunity to feel comfortable in their own time. Parents are often surprised when I tell them that the most important part of a first visit may not be the examination itself. Sometimes the biggest achievement is simply helping a child leave feeling that the dentist is a safe place. That may not sound like much, but it matters. Children remember experiences.

A child who feels listened to, respected and comfortable

A child who feels listened to, respected and comfortable is much more likely to approach future appointments with confidence. Trust is often built long before any treatment is ever needed. One question I hear frequently is: “What if my child won’t open their mouth?” The answer is simple. We don’t panic. Every child develops confidence differently. Some children are ready immediately. Others need a little more time. Occasionally, a first visit may simply involve sitting in the chair, having a chat and becoming familiar with the surroundings.

That is perfectly acceptable. In my experience, children often achieve far more once they feel relaxed and in control than they do when they feel pressured. Interestingly, parents are often more anxious than their children. They worry about whether treatment will be needed, whether their child will cooperate or whether the appointment will be difficult. Most of the time, children surprise them. When expectations are realistic and the environment is calm, children are usually far more adaptable than adults imagine.

Prevention is easier than treatment

One of the reasons I encourage regular dental visits for children is that prevention is almost always easier than treatment. Routine examinations allow us to monitor development, discuss oral hygiene, identify potential concerns early and help children become familiar with the dental environment before a problem arises. In many ways, the best children’s dental appointment is often the one where no treatment is needed at all. As dentists, we regularly meet adults whose feelings about dentistry were shaped by experiences many years earlier.

The opposite is true as well. Positive experiences during childhood can create confidence that lasts a lifetime. At Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, near Harley Street, we welcome children of all ages and aim to create a calm, supportive and positive experience for both children and parents. Because sometimes the most important part of children’s dentistry is not treating teeth. It is helping children feel comfortable enough to come back.

About the Author

Dr Sanaz Tehrani, DDS (Germany), is Principal Dentist and Clinical Director of Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, Central London.

She enjoys helping nervous patients of all ages feel more comfortable about visiting the dentist and believes that positive early experiences can have a lasting impact on a child’s confidence and long-term oral health.

Implant & Perio Clinic is located on Portland Place, Marylebone, near Harley Street, London W1

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