First Dental Appointments for Kids: What to Expect

First dental appointments for kids can be an exciting milestone, but it’s natural for parents to feel a bit anxious. For many adults, a trip to the dentist can be an anxious time, with uncertainties about their oral health combined with some of the myths about what to expect at the dentist adding to that anxiety. At Hamilton Dental Centre, we work closely with our patients to alleviate any cause of anxiety both before, during and after a visit and we also aim to do the same when it comes to a child’s visit.

That’s why at Hamilton Dental Centre, we strive to make your child’s first dental visit a positive and comfortable experience. We want to ensure that their first visit to the dentist is one that sets the expectation for all future visits, so a trip to the dentist is not one to fear, but instead, is one that they can look forward to as a way of maintaining good oral health, helping to contribute to good overall health.

Here’s what you can expect and how you can prepare for this important step in your child’s oral health journey.

When to Schedule the First Visit

According to the Plunket website, as soon as your child’s first tooth comes through, you should enrol your child with your local Community Oral Health Service by calling 0800 TALK TEETH or 0800 825 583. Community dental services are often located in primary schools. Your dental therapist will tell you how often your child should have a check-up.

The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. 

At Hamilton Dental Centre, we welcome children of all ages and are experienced in providing gentle, child-friendly care. So, once that first tooth has started to appear, talk to the team and we can ensure that we get your child booked in for their first appointment at the right time, setting them on the road to good oral health for life.

What Happens During the First Visit

Your child’s first dental appointment is typically short and informal. The main goal is to introduce your child to the dental environment in a friendly, non-invasive way.

Here is what you can expect from your child’s first visit to the dentist:

Initial Meeting: Our friendly staff will greet you and your child, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Examination: The dentist will perform a gentle examination of your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums. This is often done with the child sitting on your lap for comfort.

Cleaning: If needed, a gentle cleaning may be performed to remove any plaque or tartar. In many cases, this is not necessary as the teeth will only just be starting to show through

Discussion: We’ll discuss your child’s oral hygiene routine, diet, and any habits like thumb-sucking that might affect dental health.

Questions: There will be time for you to ask any questions about your child’s oral health and development.

The first visit is a way for us to ensure your child is comfortable in the environment and also an opportunity for us to take a first look at your child’s teeth to see how they are progressing and identify any potential concerns as the teeth start to break through.

We will also be able to provide you with details about follow-up appointments and set a regular schedule as your child grows older, ensuring we monitor their oral health and get them familiar with regular checkups.

Preparing Your Child for the Visit

Parents play a crucial role in setting the tone for a child’s first visit to the dentist and it’s important to talk positively about the experience, even if you are anxious about your own visits to the dentist. It’s important for kids to feel comfortable going to the dentist from the first appointment as regular appointments throughout their lives are the best way to ensure good oral health.

To help make the first visit a positive experience, consider these tips:

1. Talk positively: Describe the visit as an exciting adventure rather than something to fear.
2. Read books: There are many children’s books about visiting the dentist that can help familiarise your child with the concept.
3. Play pretend: Role-play a dental visit at home, taking turns being the dentist and the patient.
4. Choose a good time: Schedule the appointment when your child is likely to be well-rested and cooperative.
5. Bring a comfort item: Allow your child to bring a favourite toy or blanket for security.

Our dental practice is a child-friendly environment with books and games to keep them entertained whilst they wait and this can be part of the adventure for kids. Try and create a positive experience and treat it as a day out and something fun to do and your kids will soon become comfortable with trips to the dentist.

Creating a Positive Dental Experience

At Hamilton Dental Centre, we’re committed to making dental visits enjoyable for children. Our child-friendly environment and experienced staff help put young patients at ease. We use positive reinforcement and age-appropriate explanations to help children feel comfortable and empowered during their visit.

Remember, regular dental check-ups from an early age can prevent many dental problems and help your child develop good oral hygiene habits for life. By starting early and maintaining a positive attitude, you’re setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

For more information on children’s dentistry services at Hamilton Dental Centre, check out our Kids’ Dentistry page. If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child’s first appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you and your child on this important health journey.

Related Articles

You can read more about dentistry for kids in some of our recent news articles:

• Dental Tips for Kids
• Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy: A Guide for Parents in Hamilton
• The Importance of Paediatric Dentistry and How It Helps Kids Develop Healthy Dental Habits