How to Make Your Child’s First Dental Visit More Comfortable

When you think about going to the dentist, what sorts of feelings arise? Do you ever feel a twinge of discomfort? Have you ever given much thought to how your child might feel when they go for their first dental visit? Dental anxiety is estimated to affect a little over a third of the population, so it only makes sense to start thinking about how to make your child’s first dental visit more comfortable.

Choose Your Dentist Wisely

The first thing you need to do in order to make your child’s first dental experience more comfortable is to choose your dentist carefully. Not all dentists are prepared to deal with the complexities that come with working with a child. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your child’s dentist is a pediatric dentist. These dentists have special training and experience that help them work well with young children.

Be Smart about Scheduling Your Appointment

Once you’ve chosen your dentist, it’s time to schedule your appointment. Don’t just pick the first opening available though. In order for this experience to go as smoothly as possible, you need to take your child’s routine into account. Think about when they normally take their naps and eat their meals. Your child will have a much better experience at the dentist if they are well rested and aren’t hungry during their appointment.

Set the Tone

Your child looks to you to understand how they should feel in so many instances, especially when faced with something new. If you approach the appointment with confidence and positive energy, they’ll be more likely to mimic those feelings themselves. Explain what’s going to happen so they know what to expect. The more positive you can be about it, the more comfortable they’ll feel.

No parent likes to see their child scared or upset. It can be especially difficult when their distress is because of something that is good for them. Your child’s first dental visit can be a bit intimidating for them, especially because it’s so new. What you as the parent choose to do can have a huge impact on their experience. Do your best to make it a good one.

Knowing who will be taking care of your child’s teeth can go a long way towards soothing your own concerns as a parent. Meet Our Team to see who will be looking after your child’s oral health.