Prepping Your Child for Their First Dentist Appointment

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages all parents to schedule a dentist appointment for their child around their first birthday or shortly after their first baby tooth comes in. 

If your child has recently reached one of these milestones, you probably know the importance of a pediatric dentistry checkup. However, you may be concerned about your little one feeling anxious or afraid.

Experienced dentist Lilian Liu, DMD, at U&I Smile in Beaverton, Oregon, understands this sentiment. She’s created this guide to show parents why early dental care is so important, how to prep your child for their visit, and what to expect on the day of the appointment.

The importance of early dental care

It may seem strange to schedule a dental appointment for your child if they only have one or two baby teeth, but it’s one of the best ways to protect their oral health now and into the future.

As a child’s jaw grows and more teeth come in, oral health issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or bite misalignment, become more likely. 

Routine checkups can catch these concerns early before they cause problems. At the same time, early exposure to the dentist makes oral healthcare less frightening and can even help prevent future anxiety.

How to prepare your child for their first dentist appointment

You can’t have conversations with infants and young children the way you can with older kids and adults. However, there are simple things you can do at home to help prepare them for their first dental appointment. We recommend:

Talking about the dentist

You probably read books to your child, and you can frame a trip to the dentist the same way, by telling a story.

Explain that routine dental checkups are important for maintaining a healthy smile and supporting good dental hygiene. Emphasize that the dentist is a helper trained to keep teeth and gums strong. 

Avoid potentially scary words, such as pain, shot, or hurt, even if you’re only trying to reassure your child. The goal is to provide an honest and straightforward overview using age-appropriate language.

Role-playing at home

Another great way to prep your child for a dental appointment is to role-play. 

Have your child sit or lie down on the couch or a comfortable chair and explain that you’re pretending to be at the dentist. Demonstrate how to open their mouth wide to show their teeth. You can even make a game of it by counting each other's teeth or sticking out your tongues. 

Many parents also find it helpful to pretend they’re brushing the teeth of a favorite stuffed animal or doll. You can do the same thing with dental floss. Once you demonstrate, have your child do the same. You can also take turns playing dentist and patient.

Doing this a few times in the days leading up to your child’s appointment can help make the actual visit less intimidating.

Scheduling tips

Infants and toddlers tend to get crankier as the day goes on. Try to schedule your child’s appointment early in the morning when they’re well-rested. 

If possible, arrive at our office 10-15 minutes before the scheduled appointment so you don’t feel rushed, and your child has time to familiarize themselves with the new surroundings. We also recommend bringing a favorite toy or blanket to help soothe your child if they feel afraid.

Schedule a dental appointment for your child today

Preparing your child for their first dental visit may seem intimidating, but by following the above tips, you can lower the risk of fear and anxiety. 

If it’s time for your child’s first dental visit, contact our office by phone or online today to schedule an appointment.