First visits to the dentist in our office usually occur around the age of two and one half to three.  We recommend the child accompany the parent to their visit to ride in the chair and get acquainted with the office.  If there is a concern prior to that age, please discuss with the dentist and an appropriate evaluation will be recommended.  By the age of three, most children are able to enjoy their first visit and participate with each stage of the exam and cleaning.   First visits can be stressful for parents, especially for parents who have dental phobias themselves.

It is imperative for parents to continually communicate positive messages about dental visits (especially the first one), and to help the child feel as happy as possible about visiting the dentist.

How can I prepare for my child’s first dental visit?

There are several things parents can do to make the first visit enjoyable.  Some helpful tips are listed below:

Avoid threatening language – Dentists and staff are trained to avoid the use of threatening language like “drills,” “needles,” “injections,” and “bleeding.”  It is imperative for parents to use positive language when speaking about dental treatment with their child.

Provide positive explanations – It is important to explain the purposes of the dental visit in a positive way.  Explaining that the dentist “helps keep teeth healthy” is far better than explaining that the dentist “is checking for tooth decay and might have to drill the tooth if decay is found.”

Explain what will happen – Anxiety can be vastly reduced if the child knows what to expect.  Age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist can be very helpful in making the visit seem fun. Here is a list of parent and dentist-approved books:

• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist – by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
• Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist – Part of the “Dora the Explorer” Series.
• Going to the Dentist – by Anne Civardi.
• Elmo Visits the Dentist – Part of the “Sesame Street” Series.

What will happen during the first visit?

There are several goals for the first dental visit.  First, the dental team and the child need to get properly acquainted.  Second, the dentist needs to monitor tooth and jaw development to get an idea of the child’s overall health history.  Third, the dentist needs to evaluate the health of the existing teeth and gums.  Finally, the dentist aims to answer questions and advise parents on how to implement a good oral care regimen.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s first dental visit, please contact our office.