Tips on Preparing a Child for Their First Dental Appointment

Visiting the dentist for the first time is a bit daunting, especially for young children.

Visiting the dentist for the first time is a bit daunting, especially for young children. But the visit doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

Here are a few tips to help prepare a child for their first dental appointment so they can go in confidently.

Schedule the appointment for the right time

The first step is to schedule the appointment when the child is well-rested and not hungry.

A tired or cranky child is more likely to be anxious and uncooperative, making the appointment more difficult for everyone involved. Try to schedule the appointment early, so the young one isn’t dealing with fatigue from a long day at school.

Talk positively about it

Once the right dentist is found, it’s important to talk positively about the appointment. Let the child know that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy and that there’s no reason to be afraid.

If the parent or guardian is anxious or nervous about the appointment, try not to let those feelings show. Instead, focus on helping the child feel as comfortable as possible about seeing the dentist.

Play “dentist” with the child

One way to ease a child’s fears is to play “dentist” at home. Let them be the dentist, and the parent be the patient and show them how it all works. This will help them understand what will happen during their appointment and make them feel more comfortable.

Bring a friend

If possible, bring along a sibling or friend who has already been to the dentist. Having someone else there who can vouch for the fact that going to see the dentist isn’t scary can help put the child at ease.

If there’s no one available, consider bringing along the child’s favorite stuffed animal or toy. A familiar item will help the child feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar place.

Avoid using scary words

While discussing the visit, avoid using words like “needle” or “shot.” This will only make the child more afraid. Instead, use neutral words like “tools” or “cleaning.”

Read books about visiting the dentist

Finally, one of the best ways to prepare children for their first dental appointment is to read a book about it together. There are many great children’s books out there that explain what happens at the dentist in a fun and engaging way.

Reading one of these books before their appointment can help ease fears or anxiety. It will also make them more excited about seeing the dentist.

Choose the right dentist

When looking for a dentist, find one who specializes in treating children. A pediatric dentist will have the training and experience necessary to put the child at ease.

Many pediatric dentists have specialties in behavioral management, which can be extremely helpful if a child is anxious about going to the dentist.

If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!