Preparing for Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

Another milestone has finally arrived! The time for your child’s first dentist visit is here and it’s time to get prepared. But with all the new things and experiences, this process can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, our team at Treehouse Dental Care are experts at making sure this process is easy for parents and children alike. Keep reading to find out how you can plan ahead and prepare for your child’s first appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

For just one short appointment, a lot of work must go in to make it a positive experience and memory. It only takes one bad experience for a child to hesitate about their future dental appointments. From there, avoidant habits can develop, and those are the best to avoid! This article will cover the who, how, and what of preparing for your child’s first visit. By covering each of these steps, you’ll help ensure the success of your child’s appointment.

Choosing a Child-Friendly Dentist

The best thing you can do to prepare for this milestone is to make the right decisions beforehand. One of the most common mistakes guardians make is the assumption that their current dentist is the best place to bring their child.

Unfortunately, though, pediatric dentistry is a specialty that not all dentists possess. It’s important to research the dental office and talk with the dentists about their experience working with kids. But even better? Network with other parents to find out where they got their best experiences.

When Should a Child First Visit the Dentist?

While every child’s development differs, it’s strongly recommended to visit the dentist either when a child’s first teeth develop, or they reach their first birthday. It’s an easy rule to remember!

This check-up doesn’t usually involve more than an opportunity to normalize dental work for the child, and to ensure that there are no avoidable incoming complications.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment

If your child doesn’t have any early signs of complications, then you can expect the first routine to be extremely simple and fast. The most important thing during the first visit is to give the child a positive memory.

Here’s a look at what you can expect from your first visit:

1. Meet & greet
2. Information
3. Introduction to dental tools
4. Tooth inspection
5. A quick polish and clean of the teeth
6. Optional fluoride treatment

Every practice does it differently, but this is generally what you can expect. And every child handles their first visit differently, which is why our team of pediatric dentists is the best choice. If you’d like the specifics of your child’s first dental visit at Treehouse Dental Care, give us a call at 1-833-993-6287.

Planning Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

The best thing you can do to prepare your child for their first dental visit is to start dental hygiene habits as soon as possible. Remember, prevention is always the best treatment. This essential step will allow your child to develop life-long habits that will make the rest of their smile journey a breeze.

Let’s go over some specifics on habits you can establish before the dentist:

• Stop the use of pacifiers and bottles as soon as possible
• Stop thumb-sucking
• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Brush teeth as soon as they develop
• Build a comprehensive routine early

With these healthy habits mastered before going to the dentist, you’ll be well on your way to success. Keep reading to find out how you can further ensure your child has a positive experience

Make a Plan

The best first visits have a plan. Even if things go wrong, having a few essentials prepared will make your trip much easier.

• Take extra time
• Explain to your child beforehand so they don’t feel surprised
• Speak up during the appointment to verbally reassure your child
• Bring a soothing toy or companion

Being prepared and open about your child’s first dentist will not only make their first visit more pleasant but yours as well! And what is a plan without a start date? Contact us here to book your child’s first dentist appointment, and keep reading to get all the information you’ll need to ace it.

Have a Backup

The life of a parent is never complete without a contingency plan, right? By the time you’ve brought your first child to the dentist, every parent knows to have things like backup snacks on hand, or a favourite blanket always laundered, just in case. Visiting the dentist is no different!

You know your child best and what will work. So bring the backup just in case!

Make the First Dentist Visit Fun

Fun is one of the first languages kids learn.

And you can incorporate fun into their first dental visit by making it exciting. Make a game beforehand that gets your child excited about their teeth. Practice the noises the dentist’s tools make. Get a fun toothbrush! Or maybe show them some instructional shows or songs.

Set a Reward

There’s nothing like a little positive reinforcement, right?

Setting up a reward or fun activity after the trip to the dentist is a great way to positively associate time at the dentist. It’s also a helpful tool to use as a reminder in the examination room.

The only thing to stay away from is sugary foods and candy of course!

Visit Treehouse Dental Care for the Best First Dentist Appointment Experience

Hopefully, the task of preparing for your child’s first dental visit doesn’t sound too complicated. Especially if it’s your first child, or if you have dental anxiety of your own, a child’s first dental visit can be a challenge. But don’t worry! With some preparation and pro-parenting tips, you will be well-prepared.

Make sure to have a plan and a backup plan. Openly communicate with your child, and bring some of their favourite things. And don’t forget to set a reward for afterwards. Also, do silly little things like whizzing like a polisher, or swooshing like a hose. Follow these tricks and you’ll see plenty of smiles at your child’s first dental visit.

Treehouse Dental Care has an expert team of pediatric dentists. We take great pride in creating a comfortable, safe, and fun environment for children’s first visits. For a deeper look into our pediatric services, click here.