Children - Meeting the Dentist

First Visit To The Dentist

Your child's first visit to the dentist should be before their first birthday. Bringing your child early to the dentist can lead to a lifetime of good oral care habits by properly acclimating your child to the dental office.

There’s alot you can do to ensure your child’s first visit to the dentist will be a pleasurable one. Children are often full of questions on their first visit to the dentist. Entertain their curiosity by talking about the upcoming visit. Whatever you do, Don’t mention ‘needles’ or ‘that it won’t hurt’ - this may frighten your child. Instead, tell them that the dentist will count their teeth to see how many there are and maybe take some pictures of their teeth as well. Your dental office or local library may have a book or two which you can read to your child about their first visit to the dentist.

Meeting the Dentist:

Allow your child to accompany you when you visit the dentist. The dentist may have time to offer your child a ride in the chair.
Make your child’s appointment early in the day so that they're not tired.
Arrive a little bit before time, to let your child become familiar with their new surroundings.
Talk to your child about the dental visit in a positive way. Explain to your child that ‘the dentist may give you a ride in the chair and count your teeth
Don't wait for an emergency to be your child’s first introduction to the dentist.
Don’t over prepare your children for their first visit using use phrases like "It won't hurt much" or "It won't be too bad". Such phrases only create anxiety for small children.

We're out participating at educational conventions and seminars throughout the year and we'd like to use this blog as a dental resource for our community of Phoenix, AZ (and beyond). Of course, we welcome you to join the conversation. Suggest topics and ask those burning questions about dentistry that keep you up at night. Please feel free to contact me through the Morse Family Dental website. Remember, the advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should always see your dentist.

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