A dentist is a doctor who causes fear not only in children but perhaps even more often in adults. The first impression is crucial – if a child associates their first visit positively, future visits will be easier, and many unpleasant experiences may be avoided. How can you prepare your child for their first dental appointment?

If it is a difficult experience for you and you struggle with dentists yourself, try not to show it to your child. From the very beginning, build positive associations around the visit. Avoid unpleasant words such as: needle, injection, blood, drilling. Do not promise your child that nothing will hurt – it is hard to predict how the visit will go, and such assurances may easily undermine the child’s trust. Instead, explain what the meeting with the doctor will look like and its purpose. Tell them that the dentist will check if all the teeth are healthy, look inside the mouth, and use a special light and mirror. Try to spark the child’s curiosity about the experience. You can also play “dentist’s office,” where you act as the patient. This way, the child will become more familiar with what a dental visit looks like.

When choosing a dental office, consider reviews and how the clinic works with young patients. There are clinics that specialize in treating children and have a professional approach tailored to them. Choosing such a clinic allows parents to feel confident that their child is in good hands. Properly qualified staff will prepare the child for the procedure, engage their interest in the event, and familiarize them with the tools and dental chair.

A good idea is to reward the child after leaving the dentist, especially if they behaved exemplary. A small gift such as a toy, a trip to the playground, or a family outing will strengthen positive associations with dental visits and encourage good behavior in the future.