Making Your Child Comfortable at Their First Dentist Visit

A child’s first dental appointment is recommended within 6 months of getting their first tooth or at least before turning 1 year old. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is intended to get children comfortable at the dentist. Depending on your child’s age, the dentist may conduct a dental examination of the gums and any teeth to check their growth and development.

Read on to learn more about how to make your child’s first dental visit a positive experience.

Explain What Will Happen at the Appointment

Leading up to a child’s first dental examination, it’s a good idea to explain how the appointment will go. This enables them to get used to the concept so that there won’t be any surprises on the day which could upset them. Explain that we need our teeth to chew our food and give our body nutrients, and everyone must go to the dentist to keep their teeth healthy.

Make It Into a Game

Try to make the dental examination into a game where you pretend to be a dentist and patient, demonstrating what a dentist will ask and how the teeth are examined. Begin by saying, “Open wide, show me your teeth”, encouraging your child to open their mouth so you can check their teeth.

Then switch roles, allowing your child to use a mirror to inspect your teeth. By turning this into a playful activity before their first appointment, your child will feel more comfortable and familiar with the process when the time comes.

Children’s Books

There are many children’s books about a child’s first trip to the dentist that can help them understand the process. We recommend Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip, where Peppa accompanies her little brother to the dentist for the first time. The story emphasises that while it’s natural to feel apprehensive at first, the process ultimately becomes enjoyable and even fun.

On the Day

For some children, bringing a favourite toy to the dental practice can provide comfort and help them feel more at ease during the visit. When you arrive at the appointment, focus on offering plenty of reassurance. A warm smile and gentle eye contact can help put your child at ease. Speaking to them in a calm and soothing tone will also provide comfort and help them feel more relaxed.

Riyo Dental

At Riyo Dental, we know how nerve-wracking a first dental appointment can be for children. Rest assured that our friendly and approachable dentists do everything they can to make the first appointment, and each one after it, a pleasant experience for our child patients!

With dental examination fees starting at just £20 for children and £49 for adults, Riyo Dental is the perfect choice for your family’s first appointments or regular check-ups. Choose Riyo Dental as your trusted family dentist!

At Riyo Dental, we’re happy to be accepting new dental patients at our dental practice in Manchester!  Call us at 0161 300 2100 to hear more about the range of services we offer or book a dental examination online today!