At Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, we know that a child’s first dental visit is a big event for both kids and parents. Preparation plays a key role in helping your child feel calm, curious, and confident when meeting our empathetic pediatric dentist, Dr. Bosede Adeniji, for the first time.
Here’s how you can prepare your child so that the first dental visit is a positive and stress-free experience.
Dental anxiety is common among kids, affecting about 1 in 4 American children and teenagers today. But, as a parent, you have the power to shape how your child feels about dental care from an early age.
By introducing dentistry in a calm, positive way early on, you can help prevent fear and build lifelong confidence in visiting the dentist.
It all starts with positive talk. The words we use truly matter when it comes to prepping children for the dentist.
Before the visit, talk about the dentist as a friendly helper who counts, cleans, and keeps teeth healthy. Avoid using words like “hurt,” “pain,” or “shot.” Instead, say things like, “The dentist is going to help keep your smile strong.”
Children are incredibly perceptive and tend to mirror your emotions, so make sure you smile and speak calmly when discussing the appointment.
A little pretend play goes a long way. You can “play dentist” at home by taking turns being the dentist and the patient. Count your child’s teeth using a toothbrush, and show them how to open their mouth wide.
Other helpful preparation ideas include:
When the real appointment day comes, these small role-playing exercises help your child feel more relaxed because they know what to expect.
Familiarity fosters strong feelings of security and relaxation. Help your child choose a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy to bring to their appointment. This comfort item can help them feel safe and grounded in an unfamiliar setting.
Dr. Adeniji and our caring team welcome these small comforts, and we find that they often make the first visit smoother and more enjoyable for children.
While you can certainly calm and prevent fears considerably with the tips we've already discussed, some extra reassurance never hurts. Some kids may experience lingering fears or worries despite all your best efforts.
You can help allay those anxieties by reassuring your child that you'll be right there with them for the whole appointment. For very young children, Dr. Adeniji may even have them sit in the parent's lap. This kind of positive framing helps your child know that the dentist is a safe and caring place.
Timing can make a big difference. Schedule the appointment at a time of day when your child is well-rested and has food on their stomach so they’re not hungry. Midmorning often works best for young children.
A well-timed appointment means your child is more likely to be relaxed, cooperative, and open to exploring a new environment.
Preparation builds trust, and trust builds lifelong healthy habits. Taking these simple steps before your child’s first dental visit is a great gift for your child and you. You'll both be more relaxed, and your child will have a great head start on a lifetime of excellent oral health.
At Kids Dental Center, Dr. Adeniji and our caring team take time to make each child’s first visit gentle, supportive, and encouraging. If your child is ready for their first appointment, contact us today to schedule their visit.
