Your Child’s First Dental Visit

In some cases, it can be quite difficult to get your little one on board with a trip to the dentist. It is perfectly normal for children to feel apprehensive or nervous about their first visit, and it is even more normal for you to feel this way about your child’s first dental visit, as well. Ensuring that your child enjoys their dental visits and understands why they are visiting the dentist now is the best way to prevent them from developing a fear of the dentist down the road, and helps exaggerate just how important their dental health is. Continue reading for more information about what to expect during your child’s first dental visit so that you can help your child build a positive outlook towards maintaining their oral health.

When Should I Bring My Child For Their First Visit?

It is recommended for a child to make their first dental appointment within six months of the first tooth eruption. For most children, the first appointment with the dentist is usually done by the time their first birthday arrives. While this may seem a little early, it is a great idea to get a headstart on taking care of your child’s oral health. Your child’s dentist can help guide you through the teething process and build a seamless transition into the regular care of the deciduous (baby) teeth.

What To Expect

The first visit you schedule with the pediatric dentist should be an initial consultation in which you and your child can get a feel for the dentist, the staff, and the experience as a whole in the office. During this visit, you and your child will have the opportunity to sit down and have a one-on-one discussion about your child’s future treatment plan. Of course, your child’s age and stage of oral development will determine what type of treatment you will be discussing. The dentist will explain treatment in a simple and reassuring manner that will ensure not only that your child understands what they are visiting the dentist for, but that they are comfortable, as well.

How To Prepare

If your child is old enough, take some time to explain to them why they will be visiting the dentist and what they can expect to be done while they are there. It is important to keep your child’s outlook positive; if you have any negative feelings towards the dentist, it is important not to share them, as this will only induce anxiety and fear on your child’s part. By presenting them with a positive outlook on visits to the dentist, you will be allowing them to start off on the right foot for the rest of their lives. You can prepare yourself for the visit by gathering any questions you might have and writing them down to discuss with your child’s trusted dental professionals. This will help ensure that no questions go unanswered, leaving you with a sound and confident mind.

Going forward with the information you learned here, you will be better equipped for preparing your child for their first dental visit. Keep in mind that your trusted dental professionals at EZ Dental will be there to guide both you and your child through each step of the way.