Visiting the dentist for the first time can be overwhelming. Children should have their first dental appointment by their first birthday or when their first tooth breaks through their gums. These visits are necessary to ensure your child’s oral development is coming along without complications. If your little one is approaching the time for their first trip to the dentist, here are some ways you can calm their nerves. 

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Appointment

1. Talk About the Visit

You may want to tell your little one about their dental visit a few days in advance, but this can give their imagination time to run rampant and increase their anxiety. Instead, tell them about their appointment on the scheduled day.

Talk to them on the morning of the visit. Let them know about the friendly dentist who will help keep their smile bright and beautiful. Infants might not fully understand your meaning, but they'll find the positive tone in your voice soothing. 

2. Find a Good Pediatric Dentist

Though you may consider using your dentist to examine your child, it’s best to find a pediatric dentist who specializes in early child development. They know how to talk with children about oral health and demonstrate procedures before they do them. Pediatric dentists understand how to keep their young patients relaxed while providing them with exceptional care.

3. Remain Calm

As a parent, you may experience some anxiety over the milestone your little one has reached. While these feelings are perfectly normal, they can sometimes spill over to your child and make them more nervous. Children are highly perceptive, even at a young age, so to keep them calm by staying relaxed.

If your little one is ready for their first dentist appointment, reach out to the team at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in La Crosse County, WI. This clinic offers an impressive selection of dental services, including teeth cleaning, dental implants, and routine examinations. With comfortable offices and friendly staff, patients will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, no matter their age. To schedule an appointment with a family doctor, call (608) 783-3341 or visit them online to learn more about their services.