How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Exam

People who maintain strong oral health throughout their lives usually have one thing in common: a lifetime of regular dental appointments. The best way to make sure your child is someone who appreciates the dentist, is to start them young. Kids are far less likely to have fears if they have a dentist they trust. If you are scheduling your child’s first dental appointment, Dr. Lytha Miller offers some tips to help make the experience an easier time for both the parent and the child.

Roleplay with a Toy

Many kids are not good with uncertainty. The less they are mystified by what happens during a dental appointment, the easier the examination tends to go. To prepare your child, use a favorite toy like a doll or stuffed animal to demonstrate what being a patient at a dentist looks like. Your child can even bring this toy along for the real appointment so that they feel more comfortable.

Read a Book

Another good way to prepare is with a children’s book. Many popular characters — from Elmo or Dora the Explorer to Daniel Tiger or the Berenstain Bears — all have helpful books that portray a visit to the dentist as a gentle, fun experience. Find an appropriate book online or at your local library so that you can read them a story at bedtime.

Start Early

The American Dental Association suggests starting kids at the dentist around the age of one, or after the first tooth starts to come in. At this age, you do not need to worry about over-explaining what a dental visit is, which takes a lot of stress off you. As it becomes a biannual routine, your child should be more comfortable with the concept of visiting the dentist rather than waiting until they are at an age when they can verbally protest.

Choose a Trustworthy Dentist Who Enjoys Working with Kids

The truth is that not all dentists are gifted at working with pediatric patients. When you choose a dentist who is comfortable around kids, your kid is likely to exhibit a similar level of comfort. Dr. Miller offers “child-friendly” visits where the emphasis is on gentle treatments that help to teach kids brushing techniques. By maintaining an intentionally relaxed feel, your child should have no qualms about returning to the dentist every six months.

To schedule an appointment for your child at Team DDS New Carlisle, please call (937) 845-9422 today.