How Can I Prepare My Child for Their First Visit to the Dentist?

Routine dental visits for kids should begin by the time their first birthday rolls around. By establishing a great foundation for dental care early on, you can ensure your children maintain good oral health and great-looking smiles.

At Allure Dental of Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida, our experienced team specializes in pediatric dentistry services that include preventive cleanings and dental sealants. Our team has extensive experience working with children of all ages to ensure each visit is a positive experience.

When to schedule your child’s first dental visit

We recommend that all children have their first dental appointment around the time they turn one year old. An earlier appointment may be necessary if your child’s first tooth erupts before their first birthday.

The purpose of these early visits is to identify oral health issues as soon as possible, and lower the risk of potential complications. With early intervention of gum disease, crowded teeth, and other issues, your child stands a much better chance of responding to treatment. This means they can avoid more invasive procedures, including surgery.

If your toddler is nervous about their first trip to our dental office, we’ve put together some helpful tips to make the visit more comfortable for them — and for you.

5 tips to help your child enjoy their first dental appointment

Our expert staff has years of experience managing the oral health care needs of children and helping them feel safe and comfortable in the dental chair.

Here are some things you can do to prepare your child in advance of their visit:

1. Schedule a pre-visit consultation

If your child is older and visiting our office for the first time, we can meet with them before their routine dental checkup. You can contact the office and schedule an appointment for a meet-and-greet appointment, so your child can spend time getting to know our team on a casual basis.

A pre-visit is also a great way to introduce the dental chair and other equipment to kids, so they aren’t fearful of it later.

2. Maintain a positive outlook

Unfortunately, parents with dental anxieties can pass their nervousness on to their child by talking about their own bad experiences. Do your best to use positive words about visiting the dentist, even if you grapple with your own dental anxieties.

When in the office, stay mindful of your words and expressions. Stay upbeat and encouraging during the visit. If the experience is too much for you, consider having your partner, an aunt or uncle, a grandparent, or a close family friend bring your child into the office for cleanings and other preventive services.

3. Open the lines of communication

In the days before your child’s visit, head to the library and check out books or videos with a dentist theme. Encourage your child to ask questions about the material and answer as honestly as possible without going into too much detail.

4. Book the best appointment time

Some children tolerate a dental visit much better when they’re well-rested and fed. Try to schedule the appointment during the times of day when your child is in a good mood — such as after lunch or naptime.

5. Bring along some security

If your child has a favorite toy or blanket, feel free to bring it along to the visit. Having something familiar to hold on to while in the dental chair can ease your child’s worries. We also ensure your child feels safe throughout the visit by engaging with them in a positive way.

Call Allure Dental of Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida, to schedule a pediatric dental visit for your child today, or book an appointment online any time.