Your child’s first visit

Ideally, a child’s first dental appointment should take place around the age of two.

At this first visit, the dentist and hygienist will build a relationship of trust with your child and carry out the oral exam and cleaning. They will also take the opportunity to show you how to brush and floss.

Nearly 50% of patients dread going to the dentist. To avoid passing your own anxiety on to your child, it is essential to stay positive. Your cooperation matters before, during and after the visit.

Before the first visit

• It is crucial not to pass your anxiety on to your children. The simplest approach is to stay calm about this first appointment without going into details. Managing the behaviour of our young patients is our job, so you don’t need to prepare your child in any way.
• Often, before an appointment for a filling, parents who mean well want to prepare their children by explaining how the session will go. In fact, this would create anxiety in the child that we could not manage. In short, keep it simple: never talk about pain or needles, and avoid saying “it won’t hurt”, because that would create anxiety. We will explain everything they need to know when the time comes.

During the visit

• Sometimes we ask the accompanying adult to sit in the chair and hold the child on their lap during the exam.
• With older children, you may be asked to return to the waiting room once the first contact has been made. It is surprising how maturely children behave when their parents are not there, which makes our job much easier.
• Listen carefully to the instructions and suggestions for your child’s oral care and keep a positive attitude about the visit.
• Get into the habit of booking an appointment every six months.

After the visit

• Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day or after every meal, and above all doesn’t forget to floss before bed.
• Watch what your child eats and offer foods that are low in acid and sugar.
• Make sure your child brushes before bed.