Milestones: 1st Visit To The Dentist
Do you have a young child or loved one in your life and are unsure when they should visit the dentist for the first time? There are so many milestones in a young child’s life that it can sometimes be overwhelming to remember when each event should take place, especially if you are experiencing everything for the first time. We typically recommend for children to visit the dentist for the first time around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging. If you are realizing that your child is older and has not had their first visit to the dentist, that’s ok! There is no time like the present to schedule their visit. A first visit to the dentist can be overwhelming. We want to share some helpful tips to help your child (and you) before their first visit. Read on to learn these tips.
Tips For a Positive First Dental Visit
It is not uncommon for young children to be nervous before their first dental visit, especially if they are a little older and understand. We want to share some helpful tips to encourage a positive first dental experience for you and your young one:
Introduce the Dentist
Children often experience nervous feelings due to uncertainty. Visiting the dentist can seem like a scary experience because of the machinery and the closeness of the dentist. The best thing you can do is introduce them to the idea of the dentist and what they will experience during their visit. There are plenty of children’s books and cartoons that can help create a visual. Also, be sure to visit our website to show images of our team and office.
Schedule the Appointment Wisely
Be sure to schedule the appointment during an ideal time for your child. We recommend avoiding nap times and mealtimes. After a long school day may also not be ideal.
Be Positive
We know that many adults are nervous about visiting the dentist. It is important not to push your feelings about the dentist onto your child. Be sure to stay positive and reassure your child our office is a safe place.
We hope these tips help you with your child or loved one’s first dentist appointment. If you are located in the New Braunfels, TX area, please call our office to schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to see you and your special one soon.