tap to content

The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist office when the first tooth emerges, or no later than age one. As a parent, we want to do the right thing, but how do we make the experience productive and minimize the anxiety of that first visit?

If you’ve past the first-year milestone and still haven’t made that first appointment, here’s a checklist to help make your child’s trip to the dentist a pleasant and productive experience:

  1. Practice/role play at home. Have your child “check” your teeth and do the same.
  2. Plan a light snack before the appointment. Empty stomachs can make children grouchy.
  3. Come prepared. Bring their favorite toy, blanket, distractions.
  4. Use positive language. Exchange clinical terms like cavities, plaque, bacteria, etc. with “sugar bugs,” “tooth fairy.”
  5. Be a good cheerleader/role model. Discuss the importance of oral health. Stay calm and relaxed. You’ll help your child to do the same.

It’s also important to find a dentist that specializes in children. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat children and their unique dental health needs. Many offices, like Western Dental Kids, provide a fun and playful environment, with activities and promotions geared for kids. That takes any fear or anxiety out of the conversation and makes kids want to return.

Establishing a positive attitude toward the dentist at a young age is crucial to having a peaceful and productive dental appointment as an adult. That’s why it’s important to set up your kids for success in their oral health. Good habits learned early can provide a lifetime of health benefits – and a healthy regard for the dentist.

Keep Reading

What should you ask your dentist after your exam?
May 03, 2023 |

What should you ask your dentist after your exam?

A visit to the dentist can sometimes be more than routine, especially if your dentist recommends a customized diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan for you. Depending on your case, the recommendation could range from a basic filling (most patients) to a dental implant, braces, a deep cleaning or extensive periodontal treatment.  So it’s wise to ask for clarification and further explanation if you have questions.

Read More
Oral Health Affects Your Overall Wellness
March 08, 2023 |

Oral Health Affects Your Overall Wellness

When it comes to overall well-being, good oral health has a bigger impact than you may think. So in honor of World Oral Health Day this month, it’s important to remember that maintaining a healthy mouth is probably one of the most important contributors to looking good, feeling better and living longer.

Read More
February is National Children's Dental Health Month
February 08, 2023 |

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Today, dentistry’s goal is to break the cycle of dental disease, move beyond the historic model of “drill and fill” and to treat caries, the disease that causes cavities, as a disease that can be prevented. The keys to success for you and your children are easier than you may think.

Read More
chat Chat with us

We’ve updated our Privacy Policy. To learn more about how we collect and use information through our website, please read our Privacy Policy here. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated policy.