How to introduce your child to dental visits

When should a child first go to the dentist?

Cleveland Clinic says to schedule the first visit by the child's first birthday or when the first tooth appears. The ADA's MouthHealthy page says the visit should take place after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday, because babies can get cavities once they have teeth. Our hub on pediatric dentists covers this and what a visit involves.

How do you prepare a child for a dental visit?

The ADA's page gives practical steps. Book a time when your child is usually rested, alert and cooperative, and avoid naptime. Ask the office for patient and health history forms in advance so you can fill them in at home. Practice opening the mouth together so the exam feels familiar. Give a light meal beforehand so your child is not hungry, and brush and clean between their teeth. Save snacks for after the visit so sticky food does not stay on the teeth during the exam. Write down your questions to review with the dentist.

What should you say to your child?

The ADA says to describe the appointment as a happy, fun experience, and does not give specific wording. Practice blogs we saw suggest avoiding words like pain, hurt, shot or drill, using plain words such as counting teeth, keeping talk positive and not using the dentist as a threat or a bribe, but we have not cited them because they are not medical sources. Keep it simple, and do not pass on your own worries, which is general advice and flagged.

How far ahead should you tell them?

The sources we read do not say. Practice blogs disagree, from telling the child on the morning of the visit to mentioning it a few days ahead with some role play. Which suits depends on your child. Younger children may do best with a short notice, and an older child who worries may need a few days, which is our judgment and flagged.

What happens at the first visit?

The ADA says the dentist checks that the teeth, jaw, bite and gums are developing normally and looks for injuries, cavities or other problems, may do a gentle cleaning depending on age and the number of teeth, and may give tips on caring for your baby's teeth and gums at home. You will likely sit in the chair with your child on your lap. Cleveland Clinic lists the services a pediatric office provides, including check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, sealants, fluoride treatments, crowns, extractions and emergency care for injuries.

What if your child cries or will not cooperate?

The ADA says wiggling or crying is normal because the visit is new for babies, and that if your child becomes upset you can work with the dental team to calm them. Cleveland Clinic says pediatric dentists are trained in relaxation techniques for childhood anxiety. A first visit that is short and ends well is better than one that is forced, which is general advice and flagged.

How do you choose a pediatric dentist?

The ADA says a family dentist treats patients of all ages and a pediatric dentist specializes in infants, children and teens, including those with special needs, and that you can find one in your area with its Find-a-Dentist tool. Cleveland Clinic says pediatric dentists complete two to three years of extra education covering child psychology, growth and development and relaxation techniques, and that their offices are designed to be comfortable for children. Neither source gives a checklist, so ask about their approach to anxious children, how they handle emergencies and whether they see your child's age group.

What should you ask the dentist?

Cleveland Clinic lists how often your child should have cleanings as a question to ask, and the ADA suggests asking for advice if your child teethes, sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier too much. Write your questions down beforehand, as the ADA suggests.

Questions to ask the dentist

Take these to the first visit.

• How often should my child come for check-ups?
• Does my child need fluoride or sealants?
• Is our thumb sucking or pacifier use a concern?
• What should I do in a dental emergency?
• How do you help anxious children?

Frequently asked questions