How Can I Prepare My Child For Their First Visit?

Taking care of teeth goes a long way, and it’s important to get your child to the dentist as their teeth come in. Caring for your child’s oral health will help them care for their own oral health, and healthy habits can never be established too early in a child’s life. 

Our friendly professional team at Expressions in Dentistry in Folsom, California, are ready to protect your child’s teeth from the first tooth through every checkup. We know you might have questions about how to prepare for your child’s first visit, but we have some tips that can help you put your child at ease for their first time in our offices. 

Tell your child it’s okay to be a little nervous.

It’s okay to share with your child that you can sometimes be nervous at the dentist, too. Reassure them that they’re doing the smart thing, even the mature thing, by going to the dentist. If your child can’t calm down or fears their visit so much that they can’t be still, we offer sedation dentistry. 

Share the importance of oral care with them.

Talk to your child about the wonderful benefits of a strong, healthy smile. School pictures and the boost in good feelings are a great start, but equally important is making sure that your child understands that taking care of their teeth is taking care of their health. Some of the easiest reasons for children to understand include: 

• Keeping teeth healthy
• Keeping breath fresh
• Lowering the risk of heart attack
• Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
• Prevent tooth loss
• Reduce the risk of developing cavities

Remind your child that proper oral care can reduce the risk of painful illnesses later. 

Stay calm, and be ready to answer questions.

Your child may have some questions for you, and it’s important to answer them to the best of your ability. It’s okay to tell your child the truth if you don’t know - your provider at Expressions in Dentistry can fill in any answers that you may have. 

Plan a fun send-off!

Having a fun activity planned for your child after their first appointment reinforces that going to the dentist is a positive experience. It’s fine to choose a trip to the ice cream parlor or the candy store, but choosing a tooth-friendly activity is strongly encouraged. Try a walk in the park or a trip to the store to pick out a new toothbrush and toothpaste. 

After your child’s first appointment, take the opportunity to brush with your child, and go back over anything that the dentist taught them about brushing and flossing. Some younger children may benefit from a flossing device, which can be found where you typically purchase your oral healthcare products. 

My child has their first tooth!

That’s wonderful to hear! It’s recommended that you take your child to the dentist by the time the first tooth comes in. Babies can suffer from oral health issues, too, and staying on top of your child’s oral hygiene sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health. If it’s time to start your child’s oral health journey, contact Expressions in Dentistry today at 916-252-9186, or book an appointment with us online.