First Impressions: The Importance of First Visits to the Dentist

It’s essential to provide preventive care to support the natural smile, and this type of care is imperative when it comes to the oral health of your children. Establishing good oral hygiene early in life can help them avoid difficulties in later years, such as cavities and gum disease. At Lake Dental Clinic, we believe not only in prevention, but also in the importance of establishing a good first impression with children so that oral hygiene becomes a lifelong priority.

The First Visit

First impressions can have lasting effects and help shape one’s expectations, which is why a first dental appointment is crucial to establishing good habits and prioritizing oral health throughout life. Some parents put off taking their child to the dentist, but it’s important to know that cavities can form in the teeth of children as young as two. Since bacteria develops in a child’s mouth alongside new teeth, most pediatricians recommend setting up an appointment before your child’s first birthday. The earlier your child begins seeing the dentist, the more likely they’ll be comfortable sitting in that dentist’s chair later in life.

The Appointment: How to Prepare, and What to Expect

There are various way to prepare yourself and your child for their first visit to a dentist. If the first appointment goes smoothly, subsequent visits can go just as easily, if not more so. Some tips for the first visit include:

• Bring your child’s favorite toy to the appointment, so that they feel safe and have a healthy distraction
• If possible, complete the required paperwork before the first visit, so that time in the waiting room can be cut down
• Maintain a positive attitude yourself, so that you can help shape your child’s expectations of the appointment
• Treats are a good idea, but should be saved for after the appointment; this will make the cleaning easier 

During the appointment itself that positive attitude will come in handy, since children generally tend to conduct themselves based on the behavior of their parents. Be encouraging! Your child can learn to look forward to a dental appointment and therefore prevent negative feelings that are sometimes associated with such visits.

Schedule an appointment today!

At Lake Dental Clinic we look forward to treating clients both new and old, regardless of age. We hope to establish long-lasting relationships that will ensure your child’s oral and overall health. Call today to make an appointment, and let us prove that prevention is essential to your child’s well-being.