Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Dental Care For Young Children

Here at Smil, we do everything we can to create a calm and positive environment for children every time they visit our dental practice.

We understand your child may be nervous for their first dental appointment, and some of their future visits. You may also be unsure about when you need to start taking them to the dentist and what to do if something doesn’t seem right before their first visit.

We’ve put together this guide on everything you need to know about taking your child to their first dental appointment.

When is it Time For My Child’s First Dental Appointment?

There is no exact age for taking your child to their first dental appointment. You should first take your child to the dentist when their milk teeth begin to appear. It’s important to get them used to a dental environment when they are young so, as they get older, it becomes less daunting. When their milk teeth come through, you should register them with a dentist and book them for their first appointment.

How Do I Stop My Child From Being Nervous About Going to the Dentist?

Make your child’s first dental appointment a fun and positive experience. Children can easily pick up on their parent’s anxiety and the best thing you can do is to not portray any worries you may have about their first appointment. Even things like bringing along their favourite cuddly toy can make a massive difference.

It is important to regularly take your child to the dentist, even if they are showing signs of anxiety. This is so that it becomes a less nerve-wracking experience for them over time.

Our kind and compassionate dental team will build a relationship of trust with you and your child, making routine appointments something to look forward to.

What Should I Expect From My Child’s First Dental Appointment?

Your child’s initial dental appointment allows one of our experienced dentists to take a look at their newly erupted teeth. This will help to make sure your child’s smile is healthy and that their teeth are developing correctly.

From 2016-2017, 179,000+ teeth were extracted from 0-9 year olds in dental practices. Our dentists will be able to identify if any oral health issues are arising at the first stage and discuss with you the best way to treat them. We will be able to answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health and give you advice on how to continue to look after their teeth throughout childhood.

We can offer advice on brushing correctly, their diet and how to identify signs of tooth decay.

To learn more about how we can help you prepare for your child’s first dental appointment, please click here.

Preparing Yourself For Your Child’s First Appointment

Try to relax and stay calm, talking to your child positively about going to the dentist. This is so that they don’t pick up on the fact that you’re feeling nervous. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment, as having to rush can make things feel on edge for yourself and your child.

You will be in the room with your child so you can provide them with ongoing support throughout their appointment. They may sit in the chair by themselves or directly on your lap. Our compassionate dentists tailor every dental appointment to the unique needs of each child. We will always do what is best for your child to help keep them calm.

Let Us Gently Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Appointment

If you are at all concerned about what to expect during your child’s appointment, contact our practice beforehand. Our friendly team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about dental care for young children and will do their best to put you at ease.

During their appointment, we will take the time to get to know your child and what works best for them. We do our best to make sure each child has a positive experience at our practice to help your child create lifelong oral hygiene habits.

To book your child’s first dental appointment, please contact us today on 01634 756 536. We look forward to hearing from you.