How to Prepare a Toddler a Dental Exam

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children begin seeing a dentist at the age of one year. A visit to the dentist at this early stage is beneficial, informative, and helps the child become familiar with her dentist before she develops some dental problems that need attention. Rather than taking the toddler to the dentist office on the day of the appointment, you will want to prepare the toddler for a dental visit weeks in advance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Stuffed animal with teeth
• Children's books

1. Establish proper oral hygiene early on. Use a wet washcloth to rub over gums and begin brushing teeth twice a day once they break through the surface. Getting into this habit is not only beneficial to the toddler's teeth but it will teach the toddler to keep her mouth open which will come in handy when she goes to the dentist.

2. Take the toddler with you when you have a dental exam. This will allow the toddler to see that it is possible to walk into the dentist office and walk out without being hurt or crying. It may also give the toddler a chance to explore the dentist's tools. Be sure to get approval from your dentist ahead of time and consider bringing someone else with you in case your toddler is not interested and you can hand her off while you have your dental exam.

3. Read books about going to the dentist. Some good titles include "Just Going to the Dentist" by Mercer Mayer, "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" by Stan and Jan Berenstain, and "Going to the Dentist" a DK First Steps book.

4. Play dentist at home. If you currently have your toddler sit or stand to brush her teeth, you should have her lie down since that is the position she will be in when the dentist exams her teeth. Let your toddler brush your teeth or the teeth of stuffed animals.

5. Take a trip to the toddler's dentist's office before the scheduled appointment. Pediatric dentists will often offer a first time patient and parent a tour and reward the patient with a ballon and/or sticker. This should help ease any anxiety the toddler may have about going to the dentist and motivates her to cooperate with the dentist in order to receive her reward.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use positive words when talking to your child about going to the dentist. If you have anxiety about the dentist yourself you must mask this or allow another family member to prepare your toddler for her first dental exam.

Resources

• Website where a CD with children's songs about going to the dentist can be purchased.
• Stuffed animals with teeth can be ordered here.