How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

First visits to the dentist can prove challenging for both parent and child. You want to pick a dentist who puts your child at ease while offering the best pediatric dental care.

Still, you wonder what you and your child should expect on a first visit. You wonder how you should prepare your child for what to them may feel like a scary and alien experience. Like any introduction, fun and friendliness go a long way to making everyone feel safe and comfortable. Here at Modern Age Dentistry, we’ve put together a few tips on getting your child ready for their first visit.

What you should expect

It should come as no surprise that pediatric dentists welcome families with a fun, friendly environment designed to engage a child’s interest and imagination. After all, your child’s comfort is a vital factor in cultivating a positive association and rapport with the dentist.

Look closely at practice photos online and stop by the Modern Age Dentistry location nearest you to get a feel for the office, which can be different than the virtual experience. Bring your child along for a quick hello to get accustomed to the faces of our team.

Word-of-mouth is still the best way to get to know what the patient experience is like, so read up on online reviews for specifics that you and your child may like to know.

A simple and sweet first experience

Introducing your child to the doctor for the first time probably was scary for them, too, but in time, they overcame their nervousness. You may witness a similar reaction when your child visits the dentist for the first time.

So, think of the first visit as more of a meet and greet in a relaxing environment that attempts to put both child and parent at ease. Kids are welcome to ask any questions about oral health and what those shiny instruments do.  

Pediatric dentists are kid-tested

Pediatric dentists receive 2-3 years of specialized training to care for young people. Rest easy with the knowledge that your child’s dentist has the necessary background to provide your child with the best care while helping them feel comfortable.

Pediatric dentists cater to youths of all ages. From the first tooth to the adolescent years, pediatric dentists focus on helping children develop and maintain happy and healthy smiles until they’re ready to make the move to a general dentist.

Quick tips to ready your child for their first visit

Your child’s dentist is an ally who helps their young patients develop healthy brushing and oral care habits, teaches them about the importance of flossing, and offers dietary tips to maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. Here are a few quick tips to ready your child for their first visit.

• Before arriving, tell your child that their first appointment is an opportunity to meet new friends who’ll help teach them how to take care of their teeth. Reassure your child that they won’t have to undergo any procedures.
• Take your child with you one of your own general dentist appointments. If they see you getting treated by the dentist, they’ll want to prove they can do it, too. Use positive language and teach your child the importance of healthy oral care routines. This gets your child accustomed to the dentist’s office.
• Keep up with your oral care routines at home to set a good example for your child. Help them develop a proper routine, and play dentist with them, letting them check your teeth. Role-playing allows your child to see the importance of the dentist and feel more comfortable with their first visit.

Your child needs a dental home that they feel safe and comfortable in as they grow into their adult teeth and learn habits for developing a happy and healthy smile. Introducing your child to the dentist slowly will help.

When your child’s first tooth emerges, give us a call. We’d love to have you bring them into Modern Age Dentistry to visit Dr. Saeghi and our team, so we can congratulate your kiddo on a major milestone and show them around our fun, friendly office.