Tips for Making Your Child’s First Dental Visit a Positive Experience

A trip to the dentist’s office can be intimidating, even for adults. Unsurprisingly, children may be apprehensive or fearful about visiting our office for the first time. To make your child’s first dental visit a positive experience, we’ve put together some tips for making the visit a positive experience for everyone. We take great pride in caring for your family and want to make it an inviting and comfortable first visit at Forcioli Family Dentistry. Dr. Forcioli has two young daughters himself and enjoys teaching them all about going to the dentist!

Bring Your Child For a Visit When You Have Your Teeth Cleaned

Before your child has their first appointment, bring them to our Lombard office to meet the front desk staff and get a brief tour of the facility. The best time to do this is when the parent/guardian is having their teeth cleaned. This will help them familiarize with the environment and reduce their anxiety. We will show them what an exam room looks like and some of the tools we use, making the actual visit less intimidating. When your child comes for their appointment, they won’t be faced with many unfamiliar tools in strange places if they have already visited.

Read Books About the Dentist and Going to the Dentist

You can easily find age-appropriate books about the dentist at any library and online. Many picture books put children at ease by turning a trip to the dentist into an adventure using humor while telling kids what to expect. These books are available on Amazon and here are a few we really enjoy:

• Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
• The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing
• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain
• My Trip to the Dentist Activity/Sticker Book by Sarah Jennings

Let Your Child Ask Questions

Your child will have questions. It’s important to answer them honestly and in an age-appropriate manner. If possible, let them “play dentist” by exploring your teeth and gums. Children are naturally curious, and being allowed to look at your teeth and explore the different shapes and locations will take some of the mystery out of what the dentist does during that first appointment. This will make them feel more in control and relaxed during the entire visit at Forcioli Family Dentistry.

Whatever questions they ask, answer them in an age-appropriate manner, giving them just enough information. There is no need to over-explain. If they say, “What happens if a tooth is

bad?” You can say, “Dr. Forcioli will fix it. But he usually checks and cleans your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about that.” Dr. Forcioli will “count” and check all the teeth to make sure they’re all in good shape.

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Appropriately

Schedule your child’s appointments in the morning when they will likely be rested and refreshed. However, each child is different. If yours is grumpy and uncooperative in the mornings but loves the world in the afternoon, ask for an afternoon appointment. Planning their first dental checkup when they’re likely to be well-rested and in a good mood makes the process more pleasant for everyone, especially Mom or Dad.

Have your Child Brush Just Before Their Appointment

Before you leave home, make sure your child has brushed thoroughly. The better they brush, the less time they’ll have to spend with the dental hygienist. Young children can generally tolerate the prophylaxis and exam for 30 minutes or so we aim for that time-frame. Brushing before their appointment can also demonstrates to the dentist how well your child cares for their teeth at home.

Make the Day an Excursion

Make the day special by adding something to the dental checkup. It could be lunch at their favorite restaurant, a trip to the park, or an afternoon at the library. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Even an afternoon snuggling on the couch while watching a favorite cartoon can become a “post-dentist” ritual.

When it’s time to schedule your child’s visit to see Dr. Forcioli, please let us know, and we will arrange a time for you and your child to take a brief tour and meet our staff before their appointment to familiarize them with our friendly staff at our Lombard office. Call Lombard IL Cosmetic Dentistry Office Phone Number 630-627-1495 to get things started!