If you have little ones, chances are good you want to help them form healthy habits and create a structure of lifelong care. A huge part of active wellness care is having regular checkups on your oral health. The stereotype that kids hate the dentist is longstanding, but this doesn’t have to be the case in your household. You have the power to help make your child’s first dentist visit go smoothly and happily.
Preparing for your child’s first trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking, especially for you as the parent. You want to make sure you’re doing everything right and that your kiddos are safe and comfortable. But there’s nothing to fear. The dental health professionals have guided many parents and children just like you through their first appointment, so you know you’ll be in good hands.
- When and How Often
While it sometimes varies from child to child, it’s recommended that your child takes their first trip to the dentist before the age of one. If your child starts teething early and gets their first tooth before their first birthday, they should visit the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth if possible. Parents can miss this mark sometimes, and that’s completely okay. Many kids have their first dentist appointment well into their toddler years.
The earlier you start them on the oral health habit, the easier it will stick and the more natural it will feel. Getting into the groove is important, as you should take your child to the dentist every six months, just like your own dental schedule. When you start them young, they’ll get used to the routine and hopefully carry it into adulthood.
- Preparing Yourself
Fear of dentists is often something that’s learned or adopted from experiences over time. If you have negative feelings about the dentist, it’s important to remember that your child hasn’t built that association yet, so it’s likely that the dentist could be a positive experience for them.
If possible, it’s best to keep negative comments and emotions at bay. Who knows? Seeing your kiddo with no fear may even help you get over some of your own negative dentist feelings.
- Preparing Your Child
How best to prepare your child for the dentist will depend on their age and development.
If your child already holds some negative feelings towards the dentist, address the fears rationally and calmly by talking with them about it in advance. It’s best to avoid rewards and bribery, as the most effective solution is to help them understand that there’s nothing to be afraid of in the first place. However, if they’re really scared or upset, allowing them to bring a stuffed animal or favorite toy can help them stay comfortable and be brave.
Talking to your child about what the dentist’s office is like and what usually happens there is a great way to help them gain a better understanding of the process so that they can feel comfortable.
- Sticking Together
Many parents and kids, too wonder whether they’ll be allowed to stay together throughout the appointment. Rest assured that you can stay side by side the entire time.
Many practices even encourage you to sit in the dentist’s chair with your child in your lap while they get their exam and cleaning, especially for younger kids. Until they’re much older and want to go in alone, there’s never any pressure. You can always stick together, no questions asked.
- Getting Familiar
The first appointment is often centered around introductions. While it’s best to carve out an hour for your child’s appointment, they likely won’t need that long. Your dentist will probably take you and your child on a tour of their office, show them the tools they use to clean teeth and introduce them to some of the people there. This is a great time to get familiar with the practice and let your child put visuals to their expectations.
- Exam and Cleaning
Once your child is seated either on your lap or braving it in the chair solo the dentist will examine your child’s teeth by counting and examining each tooth individually, checking out your child’s gums, and examining their jaw and bite. This is just a look around it’s painless and harmless for all involved.
After the exam, the dentist will clean your little one’s teeth, although if they have very few teeth this might not take long at all. Often, the dentist will use a standard toothbrush for smaller children, which is much more developmentally appropriate for toddlers.
They should also give you information during the exam, such as dentists should include requirements of the Child Dental Benefits Scheme as seen here.
You will also have the option to opt for a fluoride treatment for your child’s teeth. This is worth considering especially if your city doesn’t put fluoride in the water. However, if your child is having a rough time and is already at their limit, it’s also okay to save this one for next time.
- Making the Return
It’s important to make sure your child is clear on the fact that this is not just a one-time thing. Talk to them about how the dentist’s office is a place you go every few months to make sure your teeth are healthy, and that you’ll be back again soon.
Your child’s first dentist visit is a milestone. With your help and guidance, your child can use their first appointment as a jumping-off point to form healthy habits for years to come.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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