Your Child's First Dental Treatment

A visit to the dentist can be a positive experience. If your child needs a filling or other dental procedure, it is wise to plan ahead. Tell your child that this will be a little different from a routine cleaning, so he will know what to expect.

Let your child know how important it is to fix an unhealthy tooth before the problem worsens or becomes painful.

Don’t ask your child if he is nervous. Talk about the appointment in a positive, matter-of-fact way, as you would about any important new experience.

Assure your child that the dentist knows what to do and will explain what’s going on as treatment moves along and different dental instruments are used.

Some treatments (like the application of sealants, for example) are painless. In other cases, explain that the dentist will numb the gums if necessary, so the treatment does not cause discomfort.

Tell your child to sit as still as possible and keep his mouth open wide. Explain that he may have to do this for a long time.

Reassure your child that the dentist will try to stop briefly if your child's mouth needs a rest.

If you have particular concerns:

Discuss them ahead of time with the dentist. If your child is particularly anxious, the dentist might recommend a calming medication to be taken in advance of the appointment.

Perhaps your dentist allows you in the treatment room during your child's regular check-ups. Office policy could be different for clinical procedures. Many if not most dentists find that their communication with young patients often is better if parents wait in the reception area. If this is going to present any problem for you or for your child, please discuss it at the time you make the appointment to determine the best strategy for your child.

Tips for Positive Dental Visits:

• Don’t let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits.
• Don’t let your child know if you are feeling any anxiety about going to the dentist.
• Answer all our child’s questions positively, and avoid using words such as “hurt” or “pain”.
• Read your child a story about a character who had a good dental visit. (Ask the dental office or a children's librarian for suggested reading).
• Don’t bribe your child to go to the appointment.
• Never use a dental visit as a threat or punishment.
• Try to make your child’s dental visit an enjoyable outing.
• Set a good example by brushing your own teeth twice a day, flossing, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and visiting the dentist regularly.

Questions? Ask your child’s dentist.