How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

A child's first dental visit sets the tone for their lifelong relationship with oral health. With the right preparation, you can help your child feel comfortable, safe, and even excited about visiting the dentist. Here's how to make that first appointment a positive experience.

When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. Early visits help establish a dental home, allow us to catch potential problems early, and get your child comfortable with the dental office environment.

These early visits are typically brief and focused on getting to know your child, examining their mouth, discussing proper oral hygiene, and answering your questions about teething, pacifier use, and dietary habits.

Start Talking About the Dentist Early

Begin preparing your child for the dentist well before the appointment. Use positive, simple language when discussing the visit. Explain that the dentist is a friendly doctor who helps keep teeth strong and healthy. Read children's books about going to the dentist, and consider role-playing at home with stuffed animals or dolls.

Avoid using words like "pain," "hurt," "shot," or "drill," even when trying to reassure your child. These words can create unnecessary anxiety. Instead, use phrases like "clean and count your teeth" or "check your smile" to describe what will happen.

Keep Your Own Anxiety in Check

Children are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. If you're nervous about dental visits yourself, try not to project that anxiety onto your child. Avoid sharing negative dental experiences, and don't offer too many reassurances (like "it won't hurt" or "there's nothing to worry about"), which can paradoxically increase anxiety by suggesting there might be something to fear.

Instead, stay calm, confident, and matter-of-fact about the visit. Your positive attitude will help your child feel more at ease.

Choose the Right Time of Day

Schedule your child's appointment during a time when they're typically well-rested and in a good mood. For many children, this means a morning appointment. Avoid scheduling during nap time or when your child is usually hungry or tired, as this can make them cranky and less cooperative.

Arrive a few minutes early so your child isn't rushed or flustered. This gives them time to get comfortable in the waiting room and see that the dental office is a friendly, welcoming place.

Make It Fun and Positive

Frame the dental visit as an exciting adventure rather than a scary medical appointment. Here are some ways to make it fun:

• Let your child bring a favorite toy or comfort item to the appointment
• Read fun books about visiting the dentist together
• Watch age-appropriate videos about dental visits
• Play "dentist" at home, taking turns examining each other's teeth
• Talk about the fun things at the dentist's office, like the special chair that moves up and down

What to Expect During the First Visit

Understanding what will happen can help both you and your child feel more prepared. Here's what typically occurs during a first dental visit:

Getting Comfortable

We'll invite you and your child into the exam room and give them time to explore and get comfortable. We might let them sit in the dental chair and play with some of the equipment to show them there's nothing to fear.

Gentle Examination

The dentist will gently examine your child's mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. For very young children, you may hold them in your lap or sit knee-to-knee with the dentist. We'll count teeth, check for cavities, and look at how the teeth are growing and developing.

Gentle Cleaning

If your child is comfortable, we may perform a gentle cleaning using a soft brush or polisher. We'll explain everything we're doing in child-friendly terms and go at your child's pace.

Education and Tips

We'll discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques, answer your questions about teething and oral development, and provide guidance on nutrition, pacifier use, and thumb-sucking if relevant.

After the Visit

Praise your child for being brave and doing a great job, regardless of how the visit went. Avoid making comparisons to siblings or other children. Consider offering a small, non-food reward (like a sticker, new toothbrush, or extra story time) to celebrate.

Talk positively about the visit afterward, and reinforce the message that the dentist is a helper who keeps teeth healthy. Regular dental visits every six months will help your child become increasingly comfortable with the routine.