8 Tips For Making Your Child’s First Dental Visit Less Stressful  

Introducing your child to the dentist can be a daunting task, but it's an essential part of keeping good health. The key is to create a positive experience that reduces fear and anxiety. We've gathered valuable tips to help make your child's first trip to the dentist easier and more enjoyable, including pro tips from Dr Sharon Ong, a child-friendly dentist from Advanced Dental Clinic.

1. Choose a kid-friendly dentist

This is half the battle won. Visiting an affable dentist who’s skilled at engaging young children will do wonders for your child’s experience. A clinic's physical set-up is also important. A cheerful environment, like one with cheery murals or a play area, can naturally put children at ease. Ask around to see if you can get a recommendation from one of your mum friends, or do your own research and shortlist paediatric dentists known for their welcoming disposition and child-friendly office.

2. Start them young

Early exposure helps establish a comfortable routine, and reduces anxiety at future visits. You’d have to hold them still on your lap while sitting in the dental chair, which also helps them feel safer and more comfortable in an unfamiliar setting. 

Dr Ong says, “Ideally the best time for their first dental check-up is when they’re about 2-3 years old, because at this age most children would already have all their baby teeth come out. At this age, it is also easier for them to understand and follow simple instructions during the dental appointment. However, if there is any concern about the child's teeth or mouth before they are two years old, you can still bring them to the dentist for a check-up.” 

3. Make it fun

 “The first dental visit should always be aimed to get a general check-up,” Dr Ong continues, “When there are no concerns for the child's dental health. This ensures a fuss-free visit. Try to avoid bringing the child to the dentist only when he or she has a pain related to the teeth or mouth. To start with, share with them your own positive experiences at the dentist. Describe a dental visit as a simple and fun experience where the dentist will count their teeth and show them how to keep them clean.” 

4. Be a role model

When your child is slightly older, allow him or her to accompany you to your own dental appointment. This allows your child to observe what happens during the visit, and takes away the fear of the unknown. By talking them through it and staying relaxed and cheerful during the whole experience, you are convincingly demonstrating that it's a regular and non-threatening experience. 

Dr Ong says, “When you are out with your child, you may also point out dental clinics and mention how pleasant your visits were when you went to the dentist. This helps positively reinforce the idea that going to the dentist is not unpleasant.”

5. Use positive language

Dr Ong emphasises, “Always have good things to say about the dentist and past dental visits. We should never use the dentist as a threat for punishment for unfavourable behaviour, and most certainly do not share any unpleasant experiences of the dentist with children!” 

It’s important when briefing them about their upcoming dental visit, or when talking about the dentist in general, to avoid using negative words like “pain" or "hurt" or “scared”, even if in the context of saying “it’s not painful” or “there’s nothing to be scared of.” Instead, use positive words and reassuring language to describe the visit, such as “quick”, “nice”, “kind”, “good”, “clean” or “fun”. 

6. Read about it  

Look for children's books about dental visits and pore over their attractive illustrations together with a younger preschooler. Informative books about oral hygiene can help slightly older children understand the need to visit a dentist, normalise the process and create interest in the event so they’ll be excited about seeing what a real dentist does and what a dental clinic looks like. 

Dr Ong also suggests showing them videos of their favourite cartoon characters visiting the dentist to convey what a dental visit entails, and create a fun and positive association. 

7. Incorporate pretend play

Similar to ‘playing doctor’, ‘playing dentist’ can effectively get your child comfortable with the idea of visiting a dentist. Role-playing in a familiar, relaxed home setting can help them think of dental visits as fun, and provides a run-through of the event ahead of your appointment. 

Through play, you can also educate them about the roles of the dentist, dental hygienist and nurse, and what they are likely to be doing throughout the process. Encourage your child to ask as many questions as they can think of about what happens at a dental clinic and answer them honestly. 

8. Start bright and early 

All parents know that a tired child is a cranky one, so try to schedule the appointment at the start of the day after they've had a good sleep. In the same vein, avoid scheduling the dental visit near your child's nap or meal time. Dr Ong has another suggestion, "Offer to let your child bring a comfort item with them to the appointment, like a favourite stuffed animal or baby blanket for emotional support."

If somehow, after trying everything, your child still gets upset at the clinic, it’s alright - keep calm and carry on. Let’s take comfort in Dr Ong’s parting words of reassurance: “As a dentist, I find it is important to always find out why the child is upset. Some children are shy and some are scared of new faces and new places. Some children are sensitive to loud noises. There is no single method to ease every patient into the process because every child is unique and special in their own way.”