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Tips for Your Child's First Dental Visit
Children that attend the dentist on a regular basis are much less likely to develop dental phobias. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are 3. Our goal is to provide a preventative care program for your child to help protect their teeth from childhood to adulthood.It is helpful to gain a child’s confidence in the dental setting by bringing your child to the dentist for their first dental check-up as early as 2-3 years of age.
How to Prepare
Start early! To get your child ready for the visit, talk to him or her about what’s going to happen and be positive. Have your child practice opening his or her mouth to get them ready for when the dentist counts and checks their teeth. Reading books or watching videos about first dental visits may help your child be less fearful and more confident.
Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is sucking his or her thumb or using a dummy too much, your dentist can offer some advice.
Tips for a Great Visit
• Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, pick a time your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
• Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
• Save snacks for after the visit so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
• Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!
We encourage parents to bring your child 15min prior to the dental appointment to spend some time in our child-friendly playroom and familiarize with the new environment.