6 ways to prep your child for their first visit to the dentist

Have those first teeth come in? Just when you thought the worst was over, it’s already time to consider scheduling a visit to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see the dentist by their first birthday or upon the arrival of their first tooth.¹ “You only get one set of adult teeth,” says Katie Mace, Dental and Vision Wellness Lead at Guardian in a recent webinar about children’s oral health. “Even though baby teeth fall out, their oral care matters.” So, it’s important that parents set the foundation for healthy oral care, thorough tooth brushing, and regular dental visits early on.

At this young age — and as your child grows into toddlerhood — they may feel unsure or anxious about visiting the dentist. After all, the tools and sounds are all unfamiliar, as is lying back in a chair with their mouths open. And you might not know what is expected of you and how you can ease this process for your child. Here are some tips to help both of you feel prepared.

1. Double check your insurance coverage

First things first. Did you enroll your dependents in your dental coverage plan during annual enrollment? Log into your online account or call your dental insurer to confirm. They can let you know what is and isn’t covered by your plan, including basic care, fluoride treatments, and which pediatric dentists near you are in-network.

2. Tell the dental visit story

Remember that one of the first ways children learn about things is through their mouths.² So, learning about the dentist can take the same approach. Show them what the dentist will do by using their toothbrush on their doll or stuffed animal. Then, demonstrate on yourself using your own toothbrush. Practice lying back and saying “aaah” — they may find this very silly! Hold a mirror up above their face so they can look inside their mouth. Ask them, “Can you count your teeth? Let’s count them together!” Or, “See those big ones at the back? The dentist will check on those big ones and make sure they’re awake!”

When you go to the dentist, bring the doll that you practiced with. Show the doll around the office. Narrate the experience for the benefit of your child, saying things like, “See, Dolly? It looks just like we talked about! It’s so great that we practiced together!”

3. Prepare with fun books and shows

There are plenty of great explanatory books and shows to help you and your child prepare. You can easily find full episodes on YouTube of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street in which both Daniel and Elmo visit the dentist or practice brushing their teeth. Books with well-known and well-loved characters include Curious George Visits the Dentist, The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, and Peppa Pig’s Dentist Trip.

4. Do a pretend appointment

If you think your child may be particularly anxious, do a “pretend appointment.” A day or two before your appointment, stop by the office to acclimate your child to the office. Say hello to the receptionist, read a book on one of the waiting room chairs, and talk about what you see in the space. Follow it up with a treat, like a visit to a favorite playground. Then, on the day of the real appointment, your child will know to expect that same treat after their dentist visit.

On today of their real appointment, timing is key. For many children, a morning appointment is best when children tend to be well rested, more cooperative, and not hungry.³

5. Worries are OK

If your child seems shy, nervous, or hesitant in the dentist office environment, that is completely normal. Reassure them that you are there with them and will be there together the whole time. Tell them it’s OK to feel nervous; their feelings are valid. Anxiety in new situations is normal for everyone!

Give them some ideas of what they can do when they feel nervous. They can hug their doll or squeeze their caregiver’s hand. Do you use relaxation techniques at home? If so, now’s a great time to practice deep breathing or counting. Try sending a secret message to someone they love, like their teacher or their pet at home.

6. Calm is contagious

Are you personally anxious about going to the dentist? Or are you cool and collected? Do you say, “I have to bring Connor to the dentist tomorrow” with a forbidding tone in earshot of your child? Your child will pick up on your own feelings and fear about dental visits. So, speak with a positive tone about going to the dentist to and around your child. Try to stay relaxed and provide reassurance.

Make sure you, as the parent, are modeling what you expect from your child. That means making sure to go to your dental appointments as well. Parents often prioritize their children’s oral health above their own. While less than half of all adults visit the dentist annually for preventive care, 8 in 10 parents say their children have been to the dentist in the past year.4 When your child sees their caregiver going to the dentist, it becomes a normalized part of their routine.

Whether your child is nervous or perfectly fine, you are setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health by bringing them to the dentist at a young age. By starting early and familiarizing your child with the dental experience, it can become a positive and stress-free event. After all, you’re aiming for a lifetime of healthy smiles.