How do I prepare my child for their first visit?

Friday, August 28, 2009 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

At World of Smiles we are excited to welcome your child and you into our family! We strive to provide the highest quality patient care with the most pleasant experience possible. To get your child ready for their first dental visit we recommend reading a few books that explain what will possibly be done during their adventure. Keep in mind that each dental visit is tailored to fit your child’s comfort level so activities may vary. A couple of our favorite books are: Dora the Explorer Show Me Your Smile and Elmo Goes to the Dentist. These books explain a dental cleaning, x-rays and the dental exam. You can also explain to your child that the dentist is going to check their teeth and count them. By using child appropriate words that are on their level it will help prevent unnecessary stress.

Another important concept to keep in mind is that your children will pick up on how you feel about going to the dentist. Be careful not to negatively influence your child with your own personal fears about going to the dentist. Instead of telling your child that “you’re sorry” or “hate going to the dentist” try using encouraging words such as “it’s going to be fun” or “I like going to the dentist because they make my teeth shinny”. Your child will respond to new situations based on how you, the parent, present it to them. Make it sound like a fun adventure and feel free to allude to the prizes they can earn at the dentist. Also, try showing your child our website which has a tour so that your kids can see how much fun they will have at their new Dental Home.

Tags: First Dental Visit, How do I prepare my child for their first visit?, my babies first dental visit, my childs first dentist, What will happen at my childs first dental visit

Written by Michelle Stafford, DDS