When to take your child to the dentist for the first time

Do you remember your first visit to the dentist? Was it the moment you feared the dental office and the subsequent treatment that has stuck with you ever since? Or did the pediatric dentist become your partner in keeping your teeth strong and healthy? If you want to reduce the risk of your children being traumatized by the dentist, here's some advice on what a first visit to the dentist should look like.

When to take your child to the dentist for the first time

The first visit to the dentist can be very early. It can be as early as one year of age but no later than when the child's teeth are cut. The first visit is recommended between the child's second and third years. 

Ensuring your child's first teeth receive proper care is crucial in preventing issues with their permanent teeth. Early detection of inflammation, for example, can avert significant jaw damage. By not waiting for your child to complain about toothaches or for cavities to appear and instead taking them to the dentist early, you can proactively prevent potential pain and tears, setting them on a path to a healthier dental journey.

How to avoid fear of the dentist

As a parent, you significantly influence how your child perceives the dentist. If you fear the dentist, it's essential not to discuss it in front of your child. Instead, be a positive role model by brushing your teeth together. This will help normalize dental care for your child, making it a natural part of their routine.

At the next stage, you can start telling him how teeth, like cars or planes, need checking occasionally to ensure everything is in order. And that's what the dentist is for. Tell him that you like going to him and that you can be sure your teeth are healthy and strong and can chew properly. Offer him that he can have his teeth checked too, that the dentist will count them, and tell him how many more he will grow. Describe to him that he will have a unique mirror to see them all and a counting pointer.

Then, proceed calmly and understandingly into the dental office. If you haven't had time to prepare, or your child is scared, it's a good idea to alert the doctor that your little one is nervous. Either way, don't force your child into anything and follow the doctor's instructions. A pediatric dentist is there to help you.

If you want to ensure that your child receives the best professional care from empathetic dentists, make an appointment at our clinic and ensure their teeth receive quality care.