First Dental Visit Tips for Parents in Vaughan, ON

Your child’s first-time visit to the dentist is the beginning of hopefully an everlasting experience towards confident and healthy smiles. For Vaughan families, planning in advance will allow the experience to be fun, positive, and stress-free for everyone.

Don’t Delay That First Appointment

The Canadian Dental Association recommends children to go to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. These early visits give parents the opportunity to learn about brushing techniques, nutrition, and how to prevent cavities.

Choose a Vaughan Pediatric Dentist

Search for Vaughan’s dedicated children’s dentistry practice. Pediatric dental teams are specially trained to design a relaxed, caring, and fun setting, helping children to feel safe and confident.

Prepare Your Child for the Visit

Explain about the dentist in a positive way. There are children’s stories about dental visits and you can also play a “pretend dentist” game at home. Don’t use words like “pain” or “hurt” but you can say the dentist will help keep their teeth strong and shiny.

Bring a Comfort Item

A stuffed toy, a small comforting object or even a blanket can help. These familiar items help children become comfortable, secure, and relaxed while in the dental chair.

Model Calmness

Every parent knows that children imitate them. Show assurance during the visit with calmness, a smile, and some positive words. Your confidence will definitely soothe your little one.

Establish Good Practices Early

Let your child practice with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. To help them build consistency, make up a little game or choose a song where they can brush along to.

Positive Reinforcement

Every little child deserves some sort of special recognition after a visit to the dentist. Positive reinforcement builds a positive attitude towards the dentist and helps them welcome future visits.