Preparing for your child's first dental visit

Saturday, July 15, 2006

"When should my child first see a dentist?", is a question commonly asked by many new parents. The American Dental Association, the American Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend that your child's first dental visit take place at 12 months of age, or shortly after the eruption of the first baby teeth. Don't wait until your child has a dental emergency or toothache to take your child to the dentist for the first time. By doing so, the experience can be very traumatic to your child and one that your child will likely remember for years to come.

The first dental visit is a very short visit, 15 - 30 minutes, depending on the age of your child. During this visit, the dentist will evaluate your child's complete medical history, ask about your child's eating habits as well as discuss the child's diet, determine the need for fluoride supplements, evaluate your child's oral hygiene, count the teeth and look for any cavities and other oral health problems, and discuss with you age appropriate oral hygiene techniques.

It's recommended that you call the dentist before your child's first visit and ask the dentist exactly what it is involved during your child's first dental visit. The dentist may also recommend a few tips to help prepare yourself and your child for the first dental visit.


Tips to prepare your child for his/her first dental visit:


1. Read a story and/or watch a movie with your child about going to the dentist.

Children can relate to characters in a book or on the screen. If they see that their favorite charachter shows no fear and is having a good time at the dentist, it will help your child be less afraid when he/she visits the dentist for the first time.


2. Make a dental appointment for when your child is well rested and is generally a good time of day for them.

Each child is different. Some children are much more receptive to new things and just generally in a better mood in the morning. Other children are not 'morning people', and an appointment after an afternoon nap may be best. Schedule an appointment for a time of day that works best for your child.


3. Play "dentist" with your child.

Sit down with your child and count his/her teeth, check the gum tissues, and just get your child comfortable with having fingers in his/her mouth. Let your child then be the dentist and allow the child to count your teeth and play with your mouth. By calling the dentist before your child's first dental visit, will also prepare you for what takes place on the first visit and you can incorporate that into "playing dentist".


4. Let your dentist know of any psychological, mental, or physical disabilities your child may have.

The more informed the dentist is about your child, the easier it will be for the dentist to work with your child to make the first dental visit a pleasant experience and not a traumatic one.


5. Don't be afraid to talk to your dentist.

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them. The more you know about your child's teeth, development, and how to best take care of your child's teeth and gums, and any treatment that may be needed, the better for your child. You will be able to help prevent cavities and/or other dental health issues, develop a good oral hygiene routine with your child that will most likely carry into adulthood, and also better prepare yourself and your child for any treatment that may be needed.


6. Don't convey anxiety to your child.

Your child is very receptive to your moods, tones in your voice, facial movements, and just general body language. If your child senses any kind of fear that you may have, it will make your child more uncomfortable and fearful. Remain as calm and relaxed as you possibly can. Sometimes, it may be better if a spouse, older sibling, or someone close to the child, attends your child's first dental visit, if you have a fear of the dentist and are concerned about whether or not your child will sense this.


7. Watch what you say around your child.

Never let your child hear of any past dental experiences that you may have had, or someone else experienced, that were traumatic or just generally bad experiences. Be careful not to use words like, "shot", "needle", "hurt", "x-ray", or "drill". Instead, explain to your child that the "tooth doctor" will count his/her teeth, and maybe take pictures. Talk to your child about the first dental visit, but keep it positive, short, and simple.


8. It's okay if your child cries during the first visit.

Crying is perfectly normal during your child's first visit. Remain strong, supportive, and work with the dentist during this time. No parent enjoys seeing their child cry, but remain as positive and supportive as possible.


9. Allow some alone time for your child and dentist.

When possible, let your child alone with the dentist and staff. Even if you just stand outside of the room so your child can't see or hear you. By allowing your child some alone time with the dentist, this will help to create a bond between the dentist and your child. The dentist will create a comfortable environment for your child, one where the child can open up to asking questions, or explore around the room on his/her own time. The dentist will talk to your child in terms that your child can relate to, as well as help create a positive experience for your child.


10. Make your child's first dental visit as fun as possible.


11. If your child has a favorite toy, something small, allow them to bring it with them to their first dental visit.


The more positive and supportive you can remain before and after your child's first dental visit, the better. Each time your child visits the dentist, the easier it will be if they had a positive, enjoyable experience the first time. Your child will also be more likely to be willing to learn good oral hygiene skills and will want to take good care of their teeth. Children who develop good oral hygiene routines, will most often carry these routines well into adult their life.