Preparing your child for their first dental appointment

What happens at your child’s first dental appointment?

Here at Priors Hall Dental, we provide a warm and welcoming environment for all of our patients.

No matter how old you are, going to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience. We do our best to make appointments at our practice a positive experience for everyone. Our friendly dentists treat each and every one of our patients with care and compassion.

You may be feeling anxious about your child’s first dental appointment, which is understandable. If you’re nervous or are unsure about when to first bring your child to our Corby practice, let us talk you through the process.

When should I first take my child to the dentist?

A good rule of thumb is to book an appointment once your child’s first milk teeth have started to appear. This can happen at no exact age, but it is usually before their first birthday.

Getting your child used to a dental environment can prevent them from feeling anxious about future appointments. If your child has been introduced to our practice from a young age, they will be more likely to feel confident about their visits.

What will happen at my child’s first dental appointment?

Your child’s first dental appointment is mostly about getting to know them. With every appointment at our practice, our dentists will go out of their way to build a relationship with your little one. We will greet them by name and offer your child support if they are feeling anxious.

During their first appointment, if your child is comfortable, one of our friendly dentists will take the time to examine their newly erupted teeth. We will be able to have a look inside their mouth and feel around their gum line. If your child is showing signs of distress, we’ll take the time to get to know them and make them feel at ease before making them sit through any examinations.

Once we are able to take a look into your child’s mouth, we can look to identify any oral health issues that may be developing. We can answer any questions you may have about their mouth, teeth and gums.

What if my child is nervous before their dental appointment?

Even if your child is nervous about their dentist appointments, it’s important that they still regularly attend routine check-ups.

Here at Priors Hall Dental, we work hard to make dental appointments fun and engaging for children of all ages. With regular visits to our practice, our dentists will soon become familiar faces for your young ones. 

Children pick up on nervous parents, so it is important that you do not express your concerns to your child. If you are having worries, we would recommend expressing them to another adult but making sure that your child doesn’t sense the tension. Making each visit to the dentist a positive experience will only help your child to become more comfortable over time.

On the day of your child’s first dental appointment

Rushing to your appointment can make your child feel uneasy before they arrive at our practice. We would recommend leaving with plenty of time to avoid any unnecessary stress.

Your little one may wish to bring their favourite toy or stuffed animal to their first dental appointment. You can also sit with them so that you are there for ongoing support should they need it. We understand that every child is different. Our compassionate dentists will do everything they can to put your child at ease and help them through their first appointment.

Children under the age of 11 can have a free private check-up if their parents have a dental plan membership. To learn more about our child dental care services, please click here.

What are the most common oral health issues for young children?

Did you know that almost half of British 8-year-olds have visible signs of tooth decay? Making sure that your child regularly visits their dentist can help to prevent them from developing tooth decay at a young age.

There are a number of things that can cause oral health issues in young children, such as:

• Thumb sucking
• Frequent exposure to sugar
• Tongue thrusting
• Lip sucking

One of our experienced dentists will be able to spot the signs and symptoms of tooth decay early. We can offer you advice on how to stop your child from sucking their thumb and other habits that can lead to oral health issues.

Book your child’s first dental appointment today

It’s best to teach your child good dental habits from a young age. Our friendly team can show your child that cleaning their teeth doesn’t have to be boring. We make our appointments fun and interactive to reassure your little one that they have nothing to be afraid of when visiting the dentist. 
Your child’s first visit to the dentist is a milestone and, as a parent, it is normal to be apprehensive. If you have any questions beforehand, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We will be more than happy to put your mind at ease before your child’s first dental appointment. Call us today on 01536 214 144.