Preparing Your Child for Their First Dentist Appointment
Marking milestones in your child’s development is one of the joys of parenting, and the first visit to the dentist can be one of them. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it’s best that your child’s first visit to the dentist occurs before their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. As a parent, you can do several things to prepare your child for their first appointment and get them on the right path to good oral hygiene.
Importance of the First Dentist Visit
Increasing their familiarity takes the fear out of the unknown. Scheduling that first appointment will help your child get to know their dentist and staff. Allowing your child to build that rapport early can help make future visits less scary and more comfortable and educational.
Starting dental check-ups during a child’s first year or two also has important health benefits. At this stage, you and your dentist can discuss teething, pacifier user, and other issues that affect your little one. Also, starting exams this early allows you to catch problems before they become more difficult to treat.
What to Do Before Visiting the Dentist
Planning and thought can go a long way to making your child’s first dental appointment easier and less stressful. First, choose a family or pediatric dental practice with ample experience working with children. These dentists are skilled at calming fears and explaining what they’ll do in ways your child will understand.
Timing can be your friend. Schedule the appointment when your child will likely be in their best mood. If you arrive when your child is hungry or tired, there might be more tears and fussiness.
See if you can bring your child to the dentist’s office before the appointment. During a preliminary visit, your child can get used to what they see, hear, and smell, making it all seem less scary when they return for the exam.
Talk about the appointment the same day it’s scheduled, taking the time to answer their questions. Avoid words like “needle,” “drill,” “pain,” or “shot.”
Find books or videos about visiting the dentist and view them together. Seeing characters having fun or being happy at the dentist’s office can help your child know what to expect and feel positively about the experience.
What to Do at the Dentist’s Office
Let your child bring their favorite toy or stuffed animal. A familiar teddy bear or blanket can help your child feel calm and safe. If you forget to bring a toy, ask your dentist or hygienist if they have something cuddly your child can borrow.
Also, be positive and convey a sense of calm. If you have dental anxieties, do your best not to pass them on to your child. Your child’s first dental visit is not the time to tell horror stories of your past experiences.
When it’s time to go into the exam area, you can continue to hold your child as the dentist talks to them and explains what will happen. This contact can put your child at ease as the dentist shows and talks about the dental instruments they’ll use.
When the exam is over, tell your child they did well and that you’re proud of them. Positive reinforcement can help your child remember the experience positively and reinforce healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime.
Introducing Your Child to a Family Dentist in the Cincinnati Area
An experienced family dentist loves meeting new patients, no matter how young. A child’s first dental appointment doesn’t have to be scary. At Beckham Square Family Dentistry, we specialize in making visits as comfortable and easy as possible. Our approach to gentle dentistry will help make the experience positive for your child. Give us a call, and we can answer all your questions.