The first visit to the dentist is an important event in a child’s life. Its course determines the child’s attitude towards this specialist in the future. Contrary to appearances, the first and every subsequent examination can take place in a pleasant and stress-free atmosphere. You just need to remember a few basic points.

The first dental visit – when should it take place?

Experts from the Polish Society of Pediatric Dentistry advise that the first visit should take place between the 6th and 12th month of a child’s life – preferably when the first tooth appears. Thanks to such an early appointment, the child will have a chance to get used to the dental office and avoid additional stress associated with drilling and other procedures.

How to choose a dentist for a child?

Choosing the right dentist is crucial for the child’s future attitude towards this doctor. It is worth selecting a clinic that specializes mainly in treating children. Just because your dentist is a great specialist does not necessarily mean that they have the right approach to treating more demanding patients. On the internet you can easily find information about clinics recommended by other parents. By choosing the right one, you can be sure that the first visit will be stress-free.

Preparing for the visit

Preparation for the first dental appointment should start at home. Avoid scaring the child with the consequences of poor hygiene or mentioning the pain you may have experienced at the dentist. Do not wait until a toothache appears, because then the dental office will be associated with discomfort and suffering.

Many child-friendly places offer so-called adaptation visits. During such a visit, the child can get acquainted with the new place, the staff, and the equipment, as well as become familiar with dental prevention.

There are many publications on the market that present oral hygiene in a joyful and positive way and help children get used to dentists, portraying the first visit as a great adventure worth experiencing. You can also watch the adventures of Peppa Pig visiting the dentist.

Broken or chipped tooth in a child

Despite our best intentions, sometimes the first contact with a dentist will be the result of an unpleasant situation such as a chipped or broken tooth. In this case, immediate reaction is crucial. The sooner a specialist assesses the situation, the greater the chance of saving the tooth.

Remember, despite the stress of the situation, to collect medical documentation and invoices for dental services. They will be necessary when reporting a claim under the insurance policy. By choosing good accident insurance conditions for your child, you can obtain compensation for health impairment, incurred treatment costs, as well as reimbursement for tutoring expenses in case of school absences.

Thanks to proper preparation for the first dental visit, you can be sure that future contact with doctors will not be a source of stress for your child. On the contrary – it will be associated with an adventure and fun.