When to book it, how to talk about it beforehand and what usually happens in the room.
Many dentists suggest a first visit around a child's first birthday, or when the first tooth appears. It is usually short, and for a very young child it may happen on a parent's lap rather than in the chair.
Before the day
Talk about the visit in a calm, ordinary way. Picture books about the dentist help, and so does letting a child watch an older sibling or a parent have a check-up. Avoid promising that nothing will hurt, which plants the idea that something might.
- Book a time of day when your child is usually rested
- Bring a list of any medicines and a note of any worries
- Mention thumb-sucking, a dummy or night-time bottles if they apply
- Ask whether you can stay in the room
In the room
The dentist will look at the teeth and gums, check how the bite is forming and talk about brushing, food and drinks. Some practices apply fluoride varnish. Questions are welcome, and this is a good time to ask how much toothpaste to use and when a child can brush alone.
Ask the dentist to show your child the mirror and the chair before anything starts.
Afterwards
Praise the visit, whatever happened. Book the next one before you leave, so it becomes a routine rather than an event.
This article is general information. It is not advice about your own teeth; ask a licensed dentist who has examined you.