Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Visiting the dentist is a common adult fear. However, if possible, it’s best to avoid passing that fear on to your children. One way to work towards this is by setting up a first appointment for your child at an early age so that they can get used to visiting the dentist. As they grow and develop, they’ll begin to simply see this as a normal occurrence and not something abnormal to fear.

Prepare Your Child for the Appointment
Leading up to your child’s first dentist appointment, spend some time talking with them about what a dentist does and what will happen during the visit. Consider taking out some picture books at the library about children visiting the dentist for the first time, as these often explain what will happen quite well. You might also consider watching online videos or episodes of your child’s favorite shows that center around the main character visiting the dentist so that your son or daughter can see how the process works.

Meet the Dentist
Allow time for your child to meet the dentist and the staff at the office and don’t rush them through the appointment. Let the dentist spend a little bit of time getting to know your child and reassuring them through the process. This will help them get to know one another and allow the dentist time to get to know your child and their individual quirks and mannerisms while giving your child time to adjust to a new adult.

Establish a Relationship
Visit the dentist’s office regularly, so that your children can build an ongoing relationship with the staff there. It will take time for your children to get used to seeing new people, as well as the smells and sensations of the dentist's office. Building this relationship will take time, but it’s important to do so that they won’t be afraid of visiting the dentist if they need to have a cavity filled or emergency dental repair.

Practice Dental Hygiene at Home
It’s also important that you take care of your child’s dental hygiene at home, making sure that they brush their teeth at least twice a day and limit their sugar intake. In addition, if they use a bottle or sippy cup, don’t allow them to carry it around throughout the day and constantly drink from it, as this can cause cavities.  

Setting up dental appointments for your child early and on a regular schedule will help them to see dental care as a normal event. This can help limit dental anxiety as they age, making these appointments easier for them as they grow into adulthood and helping them care for their teeth in a healthy manner.