Make sure that your child feels comfortable about visiting the dentist — for the sake of their long-term oral health.

If it’s time you brought your child in for their first dental visit, you might be wondering what you can do to prepare them for the experience. It’s important that your little one doesn’t feel anxious about the idea of seeing the dentist — here’s what you can do to make the visit as pleasant as possible…

Bring your child in at a young age

It’s a good idea to bring your child in for their first dental visit soon after their first tooth erupts. This is generally anywhere between the age of six months and a year old. The earlier you begin the routine of regular dental visits, the sooner your child will understand that there is nothing to fear about coming in to see us.

Check your child’s teeth at home

One of the best ways you can prepare your child for their first dental visit is to take a look inside their mouth from time to time in the comfort of your own home. If your child has already experienced the feeling of someone checking their teeth and gums, it’s likely that they will feel more comfortable about a dentist doing the same. Although it can be tricky looking into a baby’s mouth, you can start by making a habit of cleaning his or her gums with a wet cloth after meals. You can also start to clean your baby’s gums from an early age with a small, soft, specially designed brush.

Tell your child what to expect

If your child is old enough, you can try and explain what will happen at a dental visit in language that he or she will understand. Try using visual aids or books if you think this will be helpful in explaining the dentist’s job and keep things positive. In fact, if you treat the dental appointment as an activity that is routine and pleasant, your child won’t associate the visit with pain or discomfort. Also, if your child needs a comfort item to feel safe, like a favourite teddy bear for example, please feel free to bring it along to the appointment!

Make dental visits a regular habit

One of the major advantages of bringing your child in for regular dental visits is that we can detect any oral health issues before they become serious. That way, we can treat problems easily and, in many cases, prevent complicated problems from occurring in the future. It is important to remember that even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, it is just as important to take care of them as it is to look after their permanent teeth.

Teach your little one the value of oral health

As your child gets older, explain to them why it is so important to take care of their teeth and gums. It can also be very helpful to lead by example. Make good oral hygiene habits a family affair — demonstrate good brushing and flossing techniques and answer any questions your little one might have. You can also let your child know the importance of eating a healthy and balanced diet for the sake of their oral (and overall) health and make nutritious meals and snacks the norm in your household. If you would like to find out more about the children’s dentistry services that we offer, or you are ready to make an appointment for your little one, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We take special care in ensuring that your child’s smile will be healthy and strong for life.