New experiences are exciting, but your child may be nervous before their first appointment with the dentist. This is a normal reaction, but parents have some options when it comes to easing kids into the topic of oral hygiene and feeling optimistic about the experience. Here are a few ways to prepare your child for their first appointment. 

How to Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

1. Find Fictional Dentists

There are plenty of books and TV episodes dedicated to teaching kids about dental hygiene, including “The Tooth Book” by Dr. Seuss and the “Arthur’s Tooth” installment of the book and TV series by Marc Brown. Sharing these stories with your child shows them that going to the dentist and brushing their teeth is important but and not scary.

2. Schedule an Office Tour

Stories about dentists help kids get acquainted with the topic broadly, and taking them to the office for a non-appointment tour will make them more familiar with the specific people they’ll meet when they go for a cleaning. Seeing what happens firsthand will remove the fear of the unknown and help them feel more comfortable during their first appointment.

3. Visit a Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist works solely with kids on a daily basis. They undergo at least two years of specialized training, so they understand children’s developmental stages and unique treatment needs. These dentists provide patients with a warm, friendly environment and will work with you and your child to ensure they have the best first experience possible.

4. Stay Positive

Children mimic what their parents do, so they’ll notice if you’re nervous about going to the dentist or unhappy with your experience. Use positive, constructive language to describe the process, such as going home with clean, healthy teeth, fixing something that hurts, and getting help from friendly doctors. This way, your child learns to associate the experience with positive ideas. 

If you’re looking for a warm, friendly dental practice for your child, visit Keiki Dental in Ewa Beach, HI. This kid-friendly team offers affordable restorative and preventative services to help create healthy smiles. They prioritize young patients’ comfort and will provide books and toys and hugs to any child who needs it. Visit their website to learn more about pediatric dentistry, or call (808) 680-9411 to schedule an appointment today.