29/11/2022
What usually happens on a kid's first trip to the dentist?
Alright, so your kids are getting ready for their very first trip to the dentist?
First impressions are lasting ones, so let us make this one count. At West Coast Dental Care, we make a child’s first dental experience a fun one.
In this article, we are going to discuss what to expect on your child’s first dental trip.
When should a child see a dentist?
As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you bring your child for their first dental visit when they are around 2.5-3 years old. This can be sooner if you notice anything of concern. While your child’s baby teeth will fall out and make way for adult teeth, the baby teeth set the tone for the future health of your child’s smile.
Let’s get the kiddies be comfortable
The first step is to ensure your child is comfortable.
This starts with how the parents introduce the concept of seeing the dentist – Never say, “don’t worry, it will be OK”. The interesting thing is that the kid wasn’t worried, until you said, “don’t worry”.
As far as the kid is concerned, all that we are going to be doing, is counting their teeth to see how many they have.
If your child is already anxious from a previous bad experience, then our inviting entrance and sitting room will help ease your child into the visit. We want to ensure their anxiety is eliminated and that they are willing to cooperate with the process. We have various toys to keep their minds occupied. When your child comes into the dental surgery, we help them into their dental chair. They can then, perhaps, “drive the chair” by pressing the special buttons that allow your kid to go up and down. We let them have a bit of a play, before we get them to lay back.
All of this stuff is directed by the incredibly experienced, brilliant and friendly dentists here at West Coast Dental Care. This is when your Perth children’s dentist will get a better view of your child’s teeth. Using a special bright light, the dentist can see all their teeth. But don’t worry, they give your child a set of cool sunglasses to wear.
The finishing touches
Each child is different with differing needs and a different psychology. We always tailor the approach to each child.
At the end of the day, by bringing your child to West Coast Dental Care, we will help secure your child’s dental health for the future.
And…away you go!
We are done! Your dentist will have discussed and shown you the best ways to accomplish a good daily clean of your child’s teeth.
All the best, we will see you in six months! Mum and dad, please don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your concerns. While checking your child’s mouth and assessing their oral health is imperative, it’s equally vital to have you all comfortable with the experience. We invite you to ask us whatever questions you like during this time.
If your child is in need of seeing the dentist for the first time, or they are due for a routine dental check-up, our team is here to go above and beyond to ensure your child’s dental experience is comfortable and enjoyable. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment or are eager to find out more, please get in touch with our clinic today.
