Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can seem like a huge milestone—for you and your child. Many parents who are searching for a dentist in Burnaby ask how to make this visit easy, positive, and even fun! If you prepare your child well before the first appointment, you are giving your child the best start to a lifetime of healthy smiles and important dental habits.
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
You might think that your child’s first visit to the dentist is necessary later in childhood, but dental experts suggest you schedule the first appointment soon after the first tooth appears in your baby. Early care will allow for small problems to be identified before they become big problems. Early visits also allow your child to learn that the dentist’s clinic is a friendly, safe place.
What Happens at the First Appointment?
The initial dental appointment is typically straightforward and will generally be uneventful. The dentist will check your child’s teeth and gums, thoroughly clean your child’s mouth, and talk to you about good habits like brushing teeth and limiting sugary snacks. Making this visit informative and enjoyable for them and you is paramount to keeping this visit short. If your child is old enough, the dentist may even let them see the tools and ask questions themselves.
The first appointment is more about building trust and a positive introduction than discussing the complexity of the treatment. That’s why your child can be successful if you prepare them ahead of time.
How Can You Get Your Child Ready For Their First Dental Checkup?
The following list of easy tips may be helpful to you:
- Positive Attitude—Use simple, cheerful language. Read books or watch cartoons/videos about dental visits. Children’s storybooks and cartoons concerning visits to the dentist can help condition the child to the experience.
- Practice—Use a little make-believe, and allow the child to open wide while you “count” their teeth. This practice will go a long way toward getting them ready for the real thing.
- Be practical when scheduling appointment times–Make the appointment when they would normally be rested and calm.
- Comfort Thing—A child will rarely find themselves in a dental chair; therefore, they may feel afraid. Having a favourite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal can help ease their fears and make them feel secure in the dental chair.
Managing Dental Anxiety in Children
It’s perfectly natural for kids to feel apprehensive about something new. Parents are vital to easing fears and instilling confidence. If you are calm and positive, it will help your child feel the same way! So don’t share your negative dental stories, even if they are funny! The child should think about their dentist only in the fact that the dentist is there to help keep their smile bright and strong!
If your child experiences dental anxiety in children, please make sure to speak to the dental team ahead of time. Many clinics are experienced with children and can adjust or adapt the visit with extra patience and care.
The Role of Pediatric Dentistry
For families within the community, it is easier to receive dental care at a clinic that understands the unique needs of children. Pediatric dentistry in Burnaby is committed to providing a welcoming environment so that kids feel comfortable going there. These visits are not only about treatment, but also about showing kids that brushing, flossing, and taking care of their teeth is something to do every day.
Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
The early experiences that children have will frame how they perceive and feel about taking care of their teeth as they grow older. When the first visits are gentle and positive, children learn to view dental care as a valuable and natural part of life. Parents can work to build positive experiences by developing great oral health habits at home—brushing together, having fun, and praising the child for caring for their teeth.
Bright smiles begin with Gilmore Dental
We want kids’ first dental experiences to be something to celebrate—not fear! At Gilmore Dental, our team believes in supporting parents to provide high-quality, positive first experiences for children—developing an eagerness to care for their smiles. We will work with families throughout their child’s visit, from the first visit at reception to gentle care in the chair, to ensure their dental visits are always positive and encourage them to cooperate.
Children are given the gift of confidence in their ability to care for their dental health—what better time than now? Book their first appointment with us at Gilmore Dental, and begin to establish great habits that can last a lifetime!
📍 Address: #212 4112 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby, BC V5C 6A8, Canada
📞 Call: 604-989-8000
