Tips For Making Your Child’s First Visit Go Smoothly

Getting a youngster to relax in the dental chair can be a challenge, but our pedodontist at Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA has the experience to make a child of any age feel comfortable during a visit to our friendly, state-of-the-art office. We know that an unfamiliar experience such as reclining in a chair in a strange-looking room can be unsettling. But the special skills pediatric dentists use to help kids develop good oral habits also extends to all aspects of our child-friendly practice. And when their child feels comfortable, so do their parents! 

Here are a few tips for preparing your child for a visit to our office, and what to do once you arrive to make the visit go smoothly:

Don’t put off that first visit! By a child’s first birthday, or when the first tooth appears, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our pedodontist. Establishing our office as the home base for oral health is best accomplished early, experts agree. And don’t keep that first visit a secret; give the child an opportunity to absorb the information and ask questions.

Try to create a “pretend visit.” Grab a toothbrush and let your child go through the brushing motions to build an understanding of why you’ll be visiting our office. Check out some of the popular picture books that use illustrations to explain the process.

Easy does it! When preparing your child for the first visit, confine your description to the basics and avoid anxiety provoking details about possible treatments. 

Be a role model. By staying calm and reassuring before and during the visit, your child will feel a sense of security. But it’s not recommended that you have the child accompany you to your own trips to the dentist, as this may have the reverse effect.

Keep in mind that our pedodontist at Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA comes well-prepared for making our young patients feel comfortable during our gentle, effective care. Please contact our office to arrange an appointment.

By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA

November 28, 2022