NOT MUCH IS better in the world than the smiles of our kids, and keeping those smiles healthy starts with one big step, the first visit to the dentist. It is normal to wonder when to go, what will happen, and how to keep your child calm when everything about the office feels new. A little preparation can turn a nervous first visit into a positive start for years of good dental care.
Our team at Newton Smile Centre welcomes families of all ages, and we are happy to help you get ready. With a full range of dental services for the whole family, we believe the best care starts with showing you what we see and explaining it in a way that makes sense for you and your child.
When Should Your Child Have a First Dental Visit?
According to the Wisconsin Dental Association, a child’s first dental visit should take place after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. That may feel early, yet cavities can start as soon as teeth arrive. If your child is past that age, it is never too late to schedule a first visit.
A typical first visit is short and gentle. The dentist looks at your child’s teeth and gums, then talks with you about topics such as cavity prevention, brushing and flossing, snacking habits, pacifier or thumb sucking, and bottle use. You also receive guidance on your child’s growth and development, so bring your questions along. If you are new to our practice, our new patient information can help you plan ahead.
Why Some Kids Feel Nervous
New places, new people, and new sounds can feel scary to young children. Sometimes a relative’s unpleasant story has already put a frightening picture in their mind. Kids are also perceptive, and they often notice when a parent feels uneasy about the dentist, even if nothing is said out loud.
The good news is nerves are manageable. A calm, positive tone from you can set the stage, and the habits below may help your child walk in feeling more at ease.
How to Prepare Your Child at Home
You do not need a perfect plan to help your child feel ready. A few simple steps can make the first appointment feel familiar instead of frightening, and you can adjust each one to your child’s age:
- Start early. The sooner your child meets the dentist, the easier it is to build trust.
- Play pretend. Take turns being the dentist and the patient so the visit feels familiar and fun.
- Explain by age. Older kids often feel better when they know what to expect, so describe the visit in simple, positive words.
- Build hygiene habits. When kids see how brushing and flossing keep their smiles healthy, they tend to appreciate what the dentist does.
- Say hello first. Ask whether a short meet-and-greet before the exam is possible, so the dentist feels less like a stranger.
Words matter too, so try to avoid scary-sounding terms like needle or drill and keep your tone upbeat about the appointment. Choosing a morning time, when many children are rested and cooperative, can help as well. Reading a picture book about the dentist together can also make the idea feel friendly.
Here’s a video to help explain the dentist to a child:
How You Can Help During the Visit
Your presence is one of the most comforting tools your child has. Staying close, offering encouragement, and keeping your own voice calm can help your child feel safe. If you feel nervous about dental visits yourself, try not to pass that feeling along, because children often pick up on a parent’s worries.
Share anything helpful with the dentist beforehand, such as your child’s medical history and how they usually react to new situations. Let your child ask questions of their own, and answer them honestly in simple words. A positive first checkup sets the stage for regular cleanings and checkups that feel routine instead of scary.
Schedule Your Child’s First Visit With Newton Smile Centre
Dr. Walid Benaissa earned his doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2004, and Dr. Talar Kiladjian earned her Master’s in Oral Health Sciences and her doctorate from Boston University. Together with our close-knit team, we offer a warm, homey setting where you are treated like family. You can learn more about our doctors and team before your first appointment.
If you have questions about what your child can expect, we are happy to talk them through with you. We are in-network with Delta, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, United, and MetLife, and you can contact our office to schedule your child’s first visit.
Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
About the Reviewer: Dr. Walid Benaissa, DMD
- Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (2004)
- Advanced training via the Maxicourse at NYU College of Dentistry — occlusion, implant restoration, full-mouth reconstruction
- Member: American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, American Academy of Group Dental Practices, The Dawson Academy
- Founder of Newton Smile Centre (2010)
About the Reviewer: Dr. Talar Kiladjian, DMD
- Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Boston University School of Dental Medicine
- Master's in Oral Health Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine
- Certified Invisalign provider; trained in CEREC same-day restorative technology
- Member: American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society