Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

A trip to the dentist can be a scary and daunting task for your child, with new smells and sights, and someone they don’t know looking at their teeth. The first visit to the dentist could set the precedent for how your child views the dentist in the future, so that’s why it’s important to follow these tips to ensure your child has a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Set the Tone

Your child will get as excited as you are for the dental visit, that’s why it’s important to convey emotions you would like your child to perceive – such as a calm and relaxed demeanor. If you have a dental phobia, try to hide it from your child as they could pick up on it and become unnecessarily scared of the dentist. It is also important to stress dental hygiene’s importance prior to the visit, such as brushing with your child and making it a fun activity by singing songs or making it a game!

Choosing a Dental Office

Choosing the right dental office for your child is important, because you want to make sure they will feel comfortable in the environment they’re in. Scope out dental offices around you – visit their website to take an online tour, or visit the dental office prior to bringing your child in. If you feel confident with the dental office, your child will pick up on that and will have a better visit. Consider visiting a pediatric dentist! Pediatric dentists have 2-3 years of additional training in working with children, and most of their patients are children.

When Should I Bring My Child In?

Great question! We recommend that you bring your child as soon as their first tooth erupts, or on their first birthday – whichever comes first! Bringing your child in early will ensure that they receive proper dental care and starts your child on the path to a healthy smile.

If you have any addition questions, we would love to answer them – please call us at St. Charles Office Phone Number (630) 232-6661!