Most experts agree that a child should visit the dentist by the time they reach their first birthday. This is an exciting milestone, but it can be stressful for parents. This is doubly true if they dread their adult dental appointments themselves. It’s hard to know just how a child will react to a dental exam, but there are a few things you can do proactively to try to make the process smoother.

Meet the Pediatric Dentist Beforehand

After you’ve made your child’s appointment with family dentistry Highland Park Il, it’s a great idea to ask if you can schedule a time to visit with their dentist beforehand. You can discuss your child’s disposition and any dental concerns you have, as well as tour the facility so you can point out tools and equipment like the dentist’s chair when you come in for the first time.

Incorporate Pretend Dental Visits into Your Play

There are lots of great children’s books about taking the first trip to the dentist. You can read them to your child and try to get them used to what they will see at the dentist’s office. You can also have fun and put them in a reclining chair and give them pretend exams with toothbrushes or dental floss.

Bring Their Favorite Stuffed Animal or Toy

Young children often get nervous in new places, and a clinical environment can be worse than in other places. One of the best things you can do is bring a familiar “friend”- a teddy bear, blanket, or favorite toy. This will bring a nice touch of familiarity into the office and give them something to squeeze or cuddle if they get scared.

Make your little one’s first trip to the dentist as smooth as possible. These simple steps should help you do just that.