A child’s visit to the dentist can be challenging for both parents and children. Many children feel anxious about dental visits because they’re exposed to unfamiliar faces, instruments, sounds, and tastes.
Read more: How to Overcome Dental Phobia
However, with proper preparation, you can help make your child’s dental experiences positive ones that contribute to lifelong oral health.
When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?
Dental experts recommend that your child should visit the dentist:
- For the first time when they are 12 months old OR
- Within 6 months of their first tooth erupting
Regular dental visits from an early age help establish good oral hygiene habits and allow dentists to monitor your child’s dental development closely.
Dental Development Timeline
Understanding your child’s dental development can help you prepare for different stages:
- Children usually start losing baby teeth around 6 years old
- Between ages 6-12, children have a mixture of adult and baby teeth
- The back baby teeth are replaced when children are 10-12 years old
- By ages 10-12, most children have all their adult teeth except wisdom teeth
8 Effective Ways to Prepare Your Child for the Dentist
1. Schedule Appointments Strategically
- Avoid nap times: Don’t schedule appointments around your child’s nap time when they might be restless or grumpy
- Morning appointments: Consider booking morning appointments when your child is fresh and alert
- Arrive early: Plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the appointment to complete paperwork and allow your child to become comfortable in the waiting room
2. Use Positive Language
- Children are always listening: Remember that children absorb everything you say, even when you think they aren’t paying attention
- Avoid threatening language: Never threaten children with the dentist (e.g., “The dentist will pull out all your teeth if you don’t eat your food”)
- Avoid scary words: Steer clear of words like “pain,” “needle,” “injection,” or “hurt” when describing dental visits
- Let the dentist lead: Allow the dental professional to use their own vocabulary when talking to your child
- Use positive, reassuring phrases: Say things like “keeping your teeth strong and healthy” or “making your teeth clean and bright”
- Don’t bribe with treats: Avoid saying things like “If you don’t cry, I’ll give you a cupcake” which implies something bad will happen. Instead, offer praise, encouragement, and non-sugary rewards after the appointment
3. Use Books, Videos, and Media About Dental Visits
Familiarize your child with dental visits through age-appropriate media:
Recommended Books:
- “Elmo Visits the Dentist”
- “My Dentist My Friend”
- “Just Going to the Dentist”
- “Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist” (Dora the Explorer)
- “Dentist Trip” (Peppa Pig)
Videos and Media:
- “Going to the Dentist” song
- “Peppa Pig Goes to the Dentist” cartoon
- Videos of children visiting dentists
- Sesame Street dental health resources (https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/health/)
Starting a casual conversation about dental care before the appointment can help reduce anxiety and build positive associations.
4. Play Dentist at Home
Role-playing dental visits can familiarize your child with what to expect:
- Encourage your child to play different roles: patient, dentist, nurse, parent
- Have your child practice brushing their stuffed animals’ or dolls’ teeth
- Use a mirror and count your child’s teeth together
- Use a flashlight to look into your child’s mouth, simulating the bright lights in a dental office
- Describe a dentist’s chair and how it moves up and down and reclines
- Practice with gloves and masks so your child becomes comfortable with these items
5. Use Social Stories
Social stories are short, simple stories with pictures that describe typical social situations:
- Particularly helpful for children with autism but beneficial for all children
- Look for dental-specific social stories like “A Visit to the Dentist with Dr. Morris” or “My Visit to the Dentist”
- These stories walk through the dental appointment process in a reassuring way
6. Bring Comfort Items
- Allow your child to bring a favorite toy, blanket, pillow, or book to the appointment
- Choose items that are familiar and comforting for your child to hold during the dental exam
- Some dental offices allow children to bring headphones to listen to music or watch videos during the appointment
7. Be a Good Role Model
- Let your child watch you brush your teeth and practice good oral hygiene
- Brush teeth together twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Be aware that children often inherit dental fears from parents
- Children are perceptive and can easily detect your anxiety
- If you’re anxious about dental visits, avoid bringing your child to your own appointments
- Maintain a calm, positive attitude and provide good moral support
8. Offer Reassurance
- Let your child know you’ll be present throughout the procedure
- Reassure them you’ll hold their hand if needed
- Trust the dental team’s expertise in working with children
- Prepare for some fussing, which is normal and age-appropriate
- Stay close to comfort and encourage your child
- After the visit, focus on positive aspects rather than any challenging moments
Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Child
Finding the right dental provider is crucial for positive experiences:
- Consider a pediatric specialist: Pediatric dentists have additional training specifically for treating children
- Family dentist option: Many general dentists are excellent with children and can treat the whole family
- Research child-friendly practices: Look for offices with waiting rooms designed for children, staff experienced with young patients, and a warm environment
- Pre-visit tour: Ask if you can bring your child to tour the office and meet the dentist before the actual appointment
What to Expect at the First Visit
A child’s first dental visit is typically brief and focused on building comfort:
- The dentist will check existing teeth for decay
- They’ll examine your child’s bite and look for potential issues with gums, jaw, and oral tissues
- Basic cleaning and fluoride assessment might be performed
- Topics discussed may include:
- Good oral hygiene practices
- Developmental milestones
- Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting)
- Proper nutrition for dental health
- Scheduling future checkups
Special Considerations for Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs may require additional preparation:
- Inform the dental team in advance about your child’s specific needs
- Request appointments at quieter times of day
- Bring items that comfort your child (toys, blankets, music)
- Share past experiences with the dental staff
- Be prepared that it may take multiple visits before a full examination is possible
- Watch for unexplained behavior changes that might indicate dental pain, as some children cannot express discomfort clearly
After the Dental Visit
Building on each experience helps prepare for future visits:
- Discuss the visit afterward, highlighting positive aspects
- Praise your child for their bravery and cooperation
- Consider a small non-food reward if appropriate
- Maintain regular dental hygiene at home between visits
- Talk positively about returning for the next checkup
Common Questions Parents Have
When should my child have their first dental visit?
By their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Most dentists recommend check-ups every six months, though some children may need more frequent visits based on their oral health needs.
How can I help my child who is very anxious about dental visits?
Utilize books, role-play, positive language, and possibly seek a dentist who specializes in treating anxious children. Some dental practices offer gradual exposure through multiple brief, non-treatment visits to build comfort.
Conclusion
Good preparation can help make dental visits pleasant experiences for your child. By using positive language, familiarizing your child with what to expect, choosing the right dentist, and offering support, you can help establish a foundation for lifelong dental health. Remember that your attitude toward dental care significantly influences your child’s perception, so maintaining a positive approach is one of the most important things you can do.
With patience and consistent positive reinforcement, your child might even come to enjoy their regular dental check-ups as they grow older.