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Opinions vary as to how soon a child should see a dentist for a first-time visit, other than an emergency appointment.
Nonetheless, whenever that time arrives there are ways you can prepare your child for a first dental visit.
Perhaps the best way is to watch what you say. Those little pitchers with big ears are absorbing every positive and negative thing you say concerning your own dental experiences. Even if you have a very painful experience, try not to pass along your fear or horror to your child. This is especially important since most first dental visits are simply informative and exploratory. Your child gets to see what a dentist does, while the dentist checks to see how your child's teeth and gums are developing.
Another preparation strategy is to begin early. As soon as you begin reading stories to your child, consider reading books that provide information on dental visits that is both informative and engaging. While you're doing that, try to screen out material that will color the dental experience as bad. That's really important if you want your child to be excited, not frightened, at the prospect of visiting the dentist.
Selecting a child-friendly dentist is equally important in preparing your child for a first dental visit. Some dentists make dental visits fun and exciting for kids by providing dental goodie bags and doing other things that put kids at ease. Need a referral? Ask other parents you know, check with your health plan or call around and "interview" some dentists. This may take a little time, but in the end, it will be worth any time spent if your child's first dental impression is a good one.
Limiting sweets and other cavity-causing foods is, as always, an ideal way to help your kid's teeth grow healthy and strong. Healthy teeth and gums, in turn, will make any dental visit a quick and happy one.
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