How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dentist Visit

A new experience can be a fearful one, whether you are 3 years old or 33 years old. For a child that has never been to a dentist before the environment, tools, and chairs used in the dentist office can seem strange and bizarre. I took many steps to prepare my children for their first appointment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Patience
• Library
• Video
• Sunglasses

1. “Get them acquainted with the dentist’s office.” I knew that I would be scheduling their first appointment at the age of 3 years old. I decided that at the age of 2 years old they would come with me to my dentist appointments. I had them stand right next to and watch my teeth cleaning. The loved talking with the hygienist and watching me get my teeth cleaned.
2. “Spend time at the library.” The children’s section of the library has lots of books to offer about your first time at the dentist. Our favorite book was written by Mr. Rogers entitled “Going to the Dentist”. We read the book cover to cover several times. My children were very excited about there upcoming adventure to the dentist.
3. “Talk about what to expect at the dentist.” The cartoon program Arthur on PBS has a great little show on what to expect at the dentist. Regardless, of how you choose to begin your discussion about the dentist; whether it is a book, TV program, or field trip to the dentist. Make sure to sit down and discuss how friendly the dentist is. How fun the chair is to sit in; like a rocket ship. Talk about how the dentist will look into their mouth and count their teeth. And, lastly how exciting it will be to have water squirted into their mouth to clean their teeth.
4. “Get something new to take to the dentist.” Before the dentist appointment I took each of my children to the store to buy new sunglasses. I told them each that these sunglasses will help to protect their eyes from the special light that the hygienist uses to see their teeth. By having sunglasses it lets them keep their eyes open the whole time instead of having to close them because of the bright light. They walked proudly into their dentist appointment with their new “dentist sunglasses”.
5. “Help your children properly brush their teeth.” Up to the age of 6 years old, children still need help keeping their teeth clean. Proper oral hygiene is a life lasting skill that we all need. Start young teaching them how to take care of their teeth. The dentist is the most fun when your teeth are cavity free!