Information sheet for the first visit of a child to the dentist
Prepare your child
Arrange treatment appointments in the morning if possible to ensure that young children are awake and feeling fresh.
Prepare your child for the dental visit by giving them a general idea of what to expect. Show them why it is important to go to the dentist. Arouse enthusiasm and understanding of the visit to the dentist.
Be prepared
Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Keep in mind that your attitude towards visiting the dentist may be quite different from that of your child. Be honest about your opinion of the dentist. If you have dental anxiety yourself, make sure that you don't transfer those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents must provide moral support for their child by remaining calm in the examination room. Children can pick up on their parents' fears and become fearful themselves.
Prepare the dentist
At the first visit, give the dentist the full medical history of your child. During a remediation visit, such as filling a cavity, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious or fearful in other situations.
Observe how your child reacts. Many parents can guess how their child will react and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be related to your child's age:
10 to 24 months
Children who are highly attached may become upset when they are taken away from their parents for an examination.
2 to 3 years
A securely attached child can cope with a brief separation from their parents. For a two-year-old, a "no" can be a common reaction.
3 years
Three-year-olds may not be able to cope well with being separated from their parents during a dental procedure, such as caries filling. This is because most three-year-olds are not yet socially mature enough for this.
4 years
Most children should be able to sit in a different room than their parents during examinations and treatments.
The first appointment at the pediatric dentist
Your child's first visit to the dentist is designed to make them feel comfortable. The first visit to the dentist is recommended at the age of twelve months or within six months after the eruption of the first tooth. The first visit often takes 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a complete examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to check on the growth and development. If necessary, your child can also receive a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing the teeth and removing plaque, tartar and discoloration. The dentist can show you and your child how to properly clean the teeth at home, such as with dental floss, and advise you on the need for fluoride. As the baby teeth fall out, X-rays are not often taken. However, your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose tooth decay, depending on the child's age. X-rays are also used to determine if the root of an impacted baby tooth is affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best if small children are only X-rayed when it is absolutely necessary.