Posted 2 years ago 2 Minute(s) to read

Knowing when to first bring your child to the dentist can be difficult and nerve wracking for both child and parent. While your child is young, it can feel like there are a million things for you to do and taking them to the dentist is just as important as other medical check ups. As a general rule, you should bring your child to their first dentist appointment once their first teeth come through or before their 2nd birthday- whichever of these comes first.

Why so early?

Bringing your child into our practice as early as possible, will ensure our dentists can observe the healthy development of their teeth and employ any necessary early intervention dentistry or orthodontics. It will also help your child develop a good understanding of the dental office and help ensure a positive perception of dental hygiene. 

How should I prepare my child for their first visit to the dentist?

At Australia Fair Dental, we will do our best to make the visit as fun and exciting as possible. We always aim to be educational in a lighthearted way, so that they will enjoy their experience.

While we do our best to make it a positive experience, some children will be a bit frightened or unsure about their dentist visit. It is often a good idea for you, the parent, to get your child excited about their first dental appointment. This will help them to enjoy it and avoid them feeling nervous. Some ideas include: 

  • Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth.
  • Let your child copy you brushing your teeth with a baby toothbrush.
  • When their teeth start to appear, gently wipe their teeth and gums down with a damp cloth at bath time. 

If your child becomes comfortable with these situations, their first dentist experience will come less as a surprise. The more you talk about it and become excited about the appointment, the more positively they will react to their visit. 

Once your child comes into Australia Fair Dental Care, we will entertain and educate them on the importance of oral hygiene. This will help them to develop a good routine which will ensure their teeth and gums are as well looked after as they can be. We will demonstrate to them the proper techniques and ways of looking after their teeth. 

Key Takeaways

  • First visit should be when their first teeth come through or before their 2nd birthday. Whichever comes first.
  • Talk to your child and get them excited about their first dentist appointment to ensure their experience is as positive as possible.
  • Allow your child to watch you brush and floss your teeth so they begin to understand oral health routines.
  • Limit sugar in their diet as a preventative measure.

If your child has just gotten their first teeth or their second birthday is coming up, book in to see one of our dentists soon and we will ensure a fantastic first dentist appointment!