Preparing a young child for a visit to the dentist

It is necessary to carefully prepare the child for a visit to the dentist. Take your child to the dentist regularly once to twice a year, and more often if necessary.

Visits to the dentist should be regular. The first visit is planned at the age of 6 months, and subsequently once or twice a year. During the visit, the dentist will examine your child's mouth and teeth, and also talk to you about the care and protection of the teeth and possible risks that can lead to their decay. In accordance with the child's age, the dentist will: 

  • demonstrate a procedure or perform the planned procedures: clean the deposits and apply fluoride preparations for additional protection;
  • in case tooth decay is detected, you will make an appointment for treatment. If possible, it is best to do it in the morning, when the child has slept well and is rested.

Before visiting the dental office, it is good to talk to the child about what to expect, so that he/she does not face an entirely unknown situation and additional fear:

  •  Try to keep that conversation relaxed and hint at the upcoming visit as an interesting experience.
  •  Use expressions that will make it easier for the child to understand: that the dentist will: "take a picture of his/her teeth", "count" and maybe "brush" them.
  • Playing "dentist" at home will make it easier for him/her to understand what is happening. First you play the dentist and count and brush his/her teeth, and then switch roles.
  • It will be easier for him/her to accept the intervention when you present tooth decay as a "worm", and tooth repair as a "special cleaning or a bee". It can be especially interesting if you suggest that he/she may get a "star" in a color of his/her choice. Avoid words such as: pain, drilling, needle that will upset and scare your child.
  • Read your child educational stories about going to the dentist, look at pictures, maybe even a suitable clip.

After visiting the dental office, be sure to talk to the child about how it was at the "examination". Make sure you set a good example to your child, both in daily dental care and in regular visits to the dentist.

Take your child to the dentist regularly, once to twice a year, and more often if necessary.