Preparing Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

At Chichetti & Patel Dental Wellness, we are happy to treat every member of your family. In fact, there is nothing more special than when a young person visits our office for their first dental visit. It is always exciting when a child reaches a new milestone in their life, and we feel a first dental visit is one of the best experiences. The child is learning about the importance of dental health from a young age. Once the first tooth emerges, or around the time of the child’s first birthday, it is time to visit the dentist for the first time. If you are reading this and realize your child has yet to visit the dentist, that is no problem at all because there is no time like the present to schedule an appointment.

Helpful Tips Before the First Visit

While the first dental visit is exciting for us, we know the child does not always feel the same emotions. We want to share some helpful tips to ensure the young child in your life has a wonderful first experience at the dentist. We want to help them understand that our office is a safe and comfortable place.

Introduce the Dentist
There are many resources available to help introduce your child to the dentist and what they can expect. Many favorite children’s characters have books, shows, and songs dedicated to visiting the dentist for the first time. Our website is also a great resource. You can look at pictures of our office and our dental team. Finally, if your child is old enough, role playing a visit is a great way to practice before the big day.

Schedule the Appointment Wisely
You know your child best. It is important to schedule their visit at a time that works best for their mood. An appointment during naptime or mealtime isn’t ideal. We also recommend avoiding an appointment after a long day at daycare or school.

Remain Positive
We know that there are many adult patients who experience anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist. No matter your feelings, it is extremely important to remain upbeat and excited about your child’s visit. It is important that our office be viewed as a safe space and that children know that the dentist is a helpful adult.

We hope these tips help you with your child or loved one’s first dentist appointment. If you are located in Charlotte, NC or the surrounding area and you or a loved one is in need of a routine examination, please call our office to schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to see you and your young loved one soon!