First dental visit preparation is more relevant for first-time parents than you may realise. While some believe that early dental visits for kids should start around primary school age, we advise that you schedule their first appointment long before this stage.

So, how early in life should that first children’s dental checkup happen? And how do you go about preparing kids for dentist appointments? Keep reading Abbotsford Dental’s paediatric dentist guide to find out.

When to See a Dentist for Kids

Your child should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts. A good rule of thumb is to get them in by their first birthday — or their second, at the very latest. Once that first tooth has come through, you know dental development has begun, and that’s a process you want to monitor from the get-go.

When you start children’s dental checkups early, you get insights into how the teeth and jaws are forming — usually in ample time to correct any structural or orthodontic abnormalities. You also receive child dental care tips hot off the press.

How Often to See a Dentist for Kids

The frequency of children’s dental checkups should mirror your own: every six months. If your child is especially anxious about dental appointments, your dentist may even recommend bringing them in every three months as a form of exposure therapy. (Despite the dentist’s recommendation, you know your child best and would have the ultimate say in such a situation.)

Whether you opt for three- or six-month intervals, booking regular appointments is important for your child, as it normalises dental visits and establishes a routine that they will ideally continue into adulthood.

Paediatric Dental Tips

In between those early dental visits for kids, your child’s oral hygiene is your responsibility. Here’s how you can take care of your child’s teeth and gums, and how you can gradually hand over the reins as time goes by.

Infancy

Before the first teeth come through, you can keep your child’s mouth clean by gently wiping their gums with a damp cloth. When those teeth begin to erupt, you can brush them with an infant toothbrush — but wait until they’re 18 months old before adding a dab of children’s fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Introduce flossing once two teeth are touching.

Age 2

You can begin handing over the toothbrush to your child at age two, though this is to familiarise them with the practice rather than pass on the torch. Age two is also the time to encourage them to spit out their toothpaste rather than rinse their mouth, as toddlers are wont to swallow whatever tastes or feels interesting.

Age 3

By age three, you can up the amount of toothpaste from the size of a rice grain to the size of a pea. However much progress your child is making, it’s important to remember they’re still not flying this plane solo. In fact, you should continue to pilot and supervise their dental routine until they have developed the dexterity to take over.

Age 6

We encourage kids to transition from children’s toothpaste to full-strength fluoride toothpaste from age six.

Age 8

Eight is the age when kids develop the fine motor skills they need to brush their own teeth. By this stage, you can usually step away from the sink and let your child take it from here.
Did you know that most people don’t brush their teeth for long enough? Check out this fun brush-time video and set your kiddos up with healthy habits.

Preparing Kids for Dentist Appointments

Got a nervous child who dreads the dentist? Here are a few quick tips to soothe those pre-chair teeth chatters.

Have a Chat & Be Open

Don’t be cagey about their upcoming appointment — tell them about it a few hours in advance. Timing is everything here, as it gives them a chance to process and mentally prepare. While you shouldn’t spring their appointment on them at the last minute, you also shouldn’t alert them of it days in advance. Receiving the news the morning of the appointment is the best compromise between getting an unwelcome surprise and having too much time to stew.

Your child may have questions, which you should answer in a calm tone using positive language. Avoid negative topics and ‘trigger’ words (e.g. ‘pain’ or ‘hurt’), and try to keep your attitude upbeat, even if you dislike dentistry yourself.

Bring Dentistry into Storytime

Look around your local library, or even on YouTube or your favourite streaming service — you’re bound to find a book or TV episode about going to the dentist. These stories were made to normalise children’s dental checkups and even make them look fun. Next time your child asks for a bedtime story or wants to watch TV, choose a book or show with a dental theme. Seeing their favourite character feel at ease in a dental chair could be just what they need to realise there’s nothing to worry about.

Roleplay

Kids are always playing house — so why not encourage them to play dentist? Next time your child is in a roleplaying mood, make a point of making a cameo appearance. You will assume the role of the dentist while your child plays a patient. Get them to sit in a seat while you count and brush their teeth, explaining the process and its importance to oral health. Use your child’s toothbrush to introduce a sense of familiarity.

You should also tease out the scenario with the roles reversed, or with dolls or soft toys ‘playing’ the patients. Roleplay is how kids make sense of real-life situations, and exploring scenarios in a safe environment can help them feel more at ease or in control.

Ready to Book a Children’s Dental Checkup?

Now you’ve read up on first dental visit preparation and heard our child dental care tips, it’s time to take action. Book your child in for a children’s dentistry appointment at Abbotsford Dental today. At Abbotsford Dental, we value our little patients and are committed to helping them navigate their big feelings. Head over to our online booking portal to take the first step towards a glowing, cavity-free smile.