So many first-time experiences ahead. 

Having a child is a whirlwind of firsts. There’s the first pediatrician visit when they’re only a few days old, the first time they roll to their belly, that adorable first tooth, those first steps, and even that first dental visit. All of these milestones hit one right after the other, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. Once that first tooth breaks through the gums, don’t forget to call the dentist! But how do you get your little one ready to go for their very first dental visit?

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first dental visit?

During the first year of your child’s life, they will get their first tooth. In addition to taking all the photos you possibly can so that you never forget the toothy grin, be sure to call your child’s dentist. The best time to get them in for their first dental visit is after they get their first tooth!

Taking them in early is a great way to ensure they have a positive first experience. There’s no pressure, just a fun, new environment for them to learn about and explore. Tooth decay happens in 20% of children under the age of five, so you want to ensure your child has a good head start when it comes to their oral hygiene!

Start Early: Introducing Dental Concepts

When your child is young, don’t be afraid to introduce the concept of the dentist. Talk about how the dentist is the superhero, ready to help keep their smile healthy and bright. Adjust the language to fit your child’s age, keeping it as simple as needed so that they understand. 

Pretend Play: Role-Playing Dental Visits

Never underestimate the power of playing pretend. One fun way to get your child ready for the dentist is to create a game. Pretend to be a dentist one day and have them keep their mouth open, making funny faces and tickling them the whole time. Another day, let them pretend to be the dentist and “brush” your teeth. Making up these fun scenarios is a fantastic way to eliminate any potential anxieties your child may have about their dentist appointment. 

Read All About It: Children’s Books on Dentistry

When it comes to familiarizing your child with a topic, books are one of the easiest ways to do it! Choose the perfect book that will keep your little one engaged. If they are young enough that they don’t want to sit and listen to the story, don’t be afraid to go about it differently. Maybe point to the various pictures on the page and teach them what everything is, or create new and fun voices for each of the characters. 

Dental Care Routine: Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing Together

Kids are amazing at playing copycat. Just try doing a funny dance in the living room, and the next thing you know, they’ll be doing the exact same. They aren’t just copying the funny things we do, they’re analyzing every step we take. No pressure, right?

Why not use this to help them make good oral health decisions as they grow? Make brushing and flossing those teeth a family affair. Get everyone in there together, brush those teeth while humming a silly song, then floss them while crossing your eyes. Keep those funny faces going while swishing that mouthwash around! Or do whatever sounds fun at the time—the options are endless. Don’t stress too much about being entertaining, though, just getting them in there with you while you brush your own teeth will teach them how to care for their own teeth.

Positive Language: Shaping Expectations and Attitudes

Even if your child hasn’t said their first word, they are listening to you. Like little sponges, they absorb everything you say, and how you say it. Whenever you talk about their upcoming dentist appointment, keep the conversation positive. If you are one of the many people who have dental anxiety, you don’t want your child to take those emotions with them to their appointment.

If your child has any questions or concerns, keep that communication open, and be ready to answer any questions they might have. Again, keep the tone reassuring! Be sure they know that they have nothing to fear at the dentist.

Preparation is key!

Preparing your child for their very first dental visit can be a daunting experience for any parent, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. Perhaps you have dental anxieties of your own, and you want to do everything you can to avoid passing it down. Expose your child to books, pretend play, and even simple conversations about their upcoming dental appointment to get them used to the idea. Even just making oral hygiene a family affair will go a long way to helping your child be comfortable with the dentist.

If your child is getting their first tooth, don’t forget to give us a call or request an appointment online! We’d love to be a partner with you and your child, keeping them smiling brightly for years to come!