It can be quite a daunting experience for every parent: taking their child to the dentist for the first time. However, with preparation, visiting a children’s dentist can be a positive event with minimal stress.

Are you dreading your little one’s first dentist appointment? At Midland Bay Dental, we’ve been in the family dentistry business for over 40 years. Here are our top 10 tips for preparing your child for their first visit to the children’s dentist.

1. Start Early

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children should visit a dentist by their first birthday or even within the first six months after the emergence of the first tooth. The earlier they visit, the more comfortable your child will become with the dentist’s office and dental team, which shrinks the fear factor in future appointments.

2. Pick a Children’s Dentist

Children’s dentists are specially trained professionals. Not only have they received extra schooling to help young patients feel more comfortable, but their offices also often feature child-friendly items like toys, games, and wall decorations that help children be more at ease. Choosing a children’s dentist instead of going to a general dentist can really make all the difference in terms of your child’s experience with dentistry.

3. Read Books or Watch Videos About Dental Visits

Prepping your child for the dentist can make a big difference when they visit for the first time. There are plenty of children’s books and videos that explain/describe dental visits in a fun and interesting way. These things can help your child understand what to expect at the dentist office.

4. Role-Play at Home

Playing “dentist” at home is a good way to introduce your child to what will happen when they visit a dentist. You can take turns being the dentist and patient, using a toothbrush to “examine” teeth. In this kind of play, your child will become more comfortable, and they will begin to understand that they see a dentist as a normal way of taking care of their health.

5. Positive Language

Speak very positively to your child about the upcoming dental visit. Avoid using the words “pain,” “hurt,” or “needle.” Emphasize how the dentist will help keep teeth healthy and strong. Stress that the dentist is a pleasant person who wants to help them.

6. Book a Morning Appointment

Children are generally more cooperative and easier to manage in the morning, fresh from a night’s rest and breakfast. Scheduling the child’s first dental visit in the morning would ensure that they are on their best behaviour while attending their first dental visit.

7. Bring a Comfort Item

Allow your child to bring his favourite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal to the dentist’s office. A comfort item close by might reassure security and familiarity, which could help calm some anxious feelings during the visit.

8. Explain What Will Happen

Describe to your child what will happen before they go for the dental visit in a language they can understand. Explain to them that the dentist is going to count their teeth and clean them, and though they will feel a bit funny, it won’t hurt. This way, you are setting them ahead so they have less fear of the unknown.

9. Be a Role Model

Kids often act according to their parents’ attitudes and behaviours. If you demonstrate a positive attitude about visiting the dentist and practicing good oral hygiene at home, your child is likely to act similarly. Let your child observe you as you brush and floss your teeth, and then discuss how going to the dentist has contributed to your healthy teeth.

10. Stay Calm and Positive

Your child is very easily going to pick up on your anxiety, so try to stay calm and as positive as you can before and during the visit. When you are feeling anxious or nervous, he will be too. Try reassuring him that all will go well and that the dentist is concerned with his interest.

Midland Bay Dental: Experienced and Caring Children’s Dentist

A positive first dental visit can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Preparing your child for their first dental visit is essential for creating a positive experience and setting the stage for future dental health.

If you’re looking for a children’s dentist, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Midland Bay Dental, we’ve been providing emergency dentistry services in the Midland, Ontario, area since 1974. We have helped countless patients achieve the smiles of their dreams.

We pride ourselves on providing expert family dentistry. We offer services such as dental crowns and bridges, regular cleaning and checkups, and more intensive procedures like tooth replacement,cosmetic dentistry, and teeth whitening.

Contact Midland Bay Dental to book an appointment online or call us at (705) 526-6441.

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