Preparing your child for first dental visit: Do's & Don'ts

Parents should not make a big deal out of the visit.

The most important thing is to make sure you are positive about the experience and don’t impose any of your fears on them. We are experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings toward dentistry.

Do's

Explain to your child that dentist is a friend, who helps take care of teeth. It is more positive and productive to explain to your child that they are going to see “friend- dentist” (not Doctor!).

On the day of the visit, say only, “We are going to meet friend- dentist, and he cleans and counts teeth. He may take few photos with a funny special camera”.

If your child asks other questions, tell him/her, “I don’t know, we will have to ask your friend-dentist when we get there”.

You can also let them know that we have rewards and prizes to give to all our “good friends”. This positive wording allows your child to be prepared and ready for a positive, fun dental visit.

Don'ts

Don’t say words like: “don’t worry” or “it won’t hurt”! It introduces the concepts of “worry” and “hurt”. Unfortunately, your child will not process the word “don’t” and will only hear your concern and apprehension.

Don’t use words like “drill”, “needle” or "injection"

Don’t share any others’ experiences with the dentists – good or bad! Because, the way it is told will surely change their perception.

Do not offer treats or bribes of any kind for “being good”! Bribes tend to indicate to children that something unpleasant is about to happen, and that actually tends to create more apprehension. Think about it. You never have to bribe your child to go some nice place, so why bribe your child to go to the dentist?

One should not make promises as to what the dentist “will only do” or, “will not do”. If some other treatment is necessary, then your child will feel that we have been deceitful.