Preparing Your Child For Their First Dental Appointment

Giving your child a positive first experience in the dental office is so important and a responsibility.  Parents are a key part of this introduction to dentistry.  Parents guide virtually all life experiences, ESPECIALLY before 5 years of age.  Infants,  toddlers,  and young children feel and see your unspoken emotions and anxieties.  ​

Tell and show them that "going to the dentist"  is easy and may be an experience to "look forward to."  Share your own positive experiences in the dental office.  If you have had unpleasant experiences, keep them to yourself for your child's sake. There is NO BENEFIT to your child if you share them.  Most unpleasant dental experiences occur when the patient needs extensive and complicated treatment.  Therefore, the best way to avoid bad dental experiences is to take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST before tooth decay.

Schedule your child's first dental appointment on their first birthday or no later than 18 months of age.  Infants and toddlers are easy to control,  the time in the dental chair is short, toothbrushing or polishing is very quick, and they usually get a "prize" at the end. Tell your child this is what usually happens.  Remember that this is all about helping your child, not sharing the possible negative dental experiences you or your family may have experienced. You are your child's primary role model, and they will follow your advice and direction.  Positive comments set the stage for a positive experience.

I will share this valuable advice.  My experiences and social research indicate that the most difficult time to introduce your child to a dental office is 3 years of age.  These toddlers are going through a dependent stage in their lives and are very "worldly."  They have heard negative conversations, intentional or unintentional, about negative dental experiences from relatives,  siblings, or parents.   

In summary,  1) start brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth enters the mouth.  2) Brush your teeth and your child's teeth before going to bed with Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel, 3) minimize baby bottle and sippy cup usage, 4) take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST on their FIRST BIRTHDAY. 
 
To Better Oral Health,
 
Dr. Steve Branam