There are official recommendations for the ideal age to take your child to the dentist for the first time. The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child to the dentist within six months of the first baby tooth coming in or by your child’s first birthday – whichever happens first. Some parents do not realize that routine dental appointments need to start that early. If your child is a little older and has not been to the dentist, it is time to go ahead and schedule that appointment. Children who are old enough to be aware of new situations may feel some apprehension about going to the dentist for the first time. You can help prepare your child for that first dental appointment with a few simple steps.
It is common for kids to feel some apprehension about going to the dentist for the first time. It is a new experience in an unknown place. Even adults can feel a little nervous about facing a totally new experience. One of the best things you can do to help prepare your child for the first dental appointment is to talk about what to expect. Information is a powerful tool when it comes to easing anxiety about a new experience. Without any information, your child’s imagination can run wild with scenarios and lead to anxiety. You can talk through the appointment step-by-step if you think that will help your child or you can describe the process in a more general way. Talking about what to expect will also give your child the chance to ask questions.
You can also help prepare your child for that first dental appointment by sharing your own experience with the dentist. Talk to your child about getting your teeth cleaned during your appointments. If you go to the same dentist your child will go to, talk to your child about the dentist. When you show your child that you had a good experience at the dentist it can relieve concerns and make the entire process easier.
Something as simple as seeing a picture of the dentist can help prepare your child for that first dental visit. On the Dental Remedies website, there is a picture of Dr. Singh that you can use to familiarize your child with her. You can also show your child pictures of the dental assistants that work in the office. This simple task can help your child feel like he or she is seeing familiar faces at the first appointment.
Another way to help your child prepare for the first dental appointment is to show him or her the dental office. You can take a virtual tour of Dental Remedies online. This process will only take a few minutes but can do a lot to help your child feel more comfortable about going to the dentist.
There will always be some level of unknowns when you take your child to the first dentist appointment. You can help minimize some of those unknowns by following the steps outlined above. At Dental Remedies, Dr. Singh and the staff regularly work with pediatric patients and provide a firm foundation for a lifetime of good dental care.
Call 904-440-0200 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.