When your child sees a children’s dentist for the first time, it’s important to make the experience as positive as possible so that your child willingly participates in future appointments. The general recommendation is that children first see the dentist by their first birthday, so there’s potential for a child to be overwhelmed or frightened. If you do some legwork in advance of the appointment, you may be able to get a better outcome.
Choosing a children’s dentist specifically is beneficial, as these specialists have training and experience in working with pediatric patients and are well-positioned to meet their unique needs.
The first step is doing your homework about the children’s dentist who will be seeing your child. Call the office to ask questions about procedures and what to expect at the appointment so that you can prepare your child. It may even be helpful to take a tour of the office, which you are welcome to do at our practice. Even a practice drive to the office to make sure you know the way can reduce stress on the day of the appointment.
In advance of the appointment, you can also read books about going to the dentist to your child. This can normalize the experience, as well.
Stay positive about the appointment. Dental care is a good thing, and will keep your child healthy! If you respond with any sort of anxiety, your child will pick up on it and become anxious, too. You may also want to bring a comforting toy or blanket that the child can hold while in the chair. This can improve the child’s sense of security during the appointment.
Your child’s first dental appointment can set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health, so do everything possible to make the experience a good one. Call our office and speak to our staff for further suggestions about helping your child’s first dental session go smoothly.