How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit
A child’s first dental visit is an important milestone — and with the right preparation, it can be a positive and even fun experience. Early dental visits help build healthy habits, prevent fear, and set the foundation for lifelong oral health . Here’s how you can prepare your child for their very first trip to the dentist. 1. Start Early and Choose the Right Time Most dentists recommend a child’s first visit by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears . Choose a time when your child is well-rested and not hungry — usually mornings work best for younger children. 2. Talk About the Visit in a Positive Way Explain what will happen using simple, friendly language . Avoid words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “needle.” Instead, say things like: “The dentist will count your teeth.” “They’ll make your smile shiny and strong.” 3. Play Dentist at Home Role-playing is a great way to reduce fear. Use a toothbrush to “check” your child’s teeth or let them check yours. You can ev...