Preparing Your Child for Their First Appointment With a Kids Dentist

Your child’s first dentist appointment is a major milestone, setting them up for long-term oral health. While it is normal to be nervous, a kids dentist works to make the appointment comfortable for you and your child. However, parents can also help make the appointment go smoother with a bit of preparation. Here are some ways to help you prepare yourself and your child for their first trip to the dentist.

When children should have their first dental appointment

Health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), recommend that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Some, like Stanford Medicine, recommend going as soon as the first primary tooth (baby tooth) erupts. This allows the kids dentist to check on the child's oral health while advising parents on children's oral hygiene basics.

Another key purpose of the child’s first dental appointment is to help them get used to going to the dentist, sitting in the dentist's chair, and having their teeth and mouth examined by a dental provider. Early exposure to the dentist can reduce fear and anxiety about dental appointments later on. In turn, this increases the likelihood that they will remain consistent with their oral care well into adulthood.

Tips to help your child prepare for the appointment

Discuss what the child can expect during the dental appointment

It is normal for children to be nervous about going to the dentist for the first time. Often, this comes down to a fear of the unknown. Thus, educating the child about what to expect at the dentist and the importance of going can make them more comfortable and willing to cooperate throughout the process.

Let the child bring a comfort blanket or stuffed animal

Many children find comfort in a special blanket, stuffed animal, or toy. With this in mind, parents can bring the comfort item for their child to the appointment.

Encourage the child to speak up and ask questions

It is important that the child feels comfortable enough to speak up and ask questions when they have them. The kids dentist will likely establish a way for the child to ask for breaks during the exam or cleaning, such as by raising their arm.

Reward the child after the appointment

A good way to make the dentist appointment exciting is to let the child have a reward for going. Many kids dentists offer lollipops or other prizes at the end of the appointment. However, it is also common to take children for a treat afterward. If the child receives a fluoride treatment, they may need to wait to eat anything for a while after the appointment. The dentist will review this with the parent before the appointment.

How parents can prepare for the appointment

Parents must also prepare for their child's dental appointment. Generally, this involves making sure to bring all insurance paperwork on the day of the appointment and being strategic about when the appointment is scheduled. Parents can attempt to avoid scheduling an appointment during naps and when the parent may be in a rush to get back home or work. A kids dentist and their team aim to find an appointment time that works for both the child and the parent.