Preparing Your Child For Their First Visit To The Dentist

At Bozeman Gentle Dentistry, we are happy to provide dental care to everyone in your family, from the youngest member to the oldest. Do you have a young child in your life and you’re unsure when it is time to visit the dentist for their first appointment? We typically tell parents that children should visit the dentist when their teeth begin to emerge or around their first birthday. If the child in your life is older and has yet to see the dentist, there is no time like the present to schedule their first appointment. We know it can be a little intimidating for children to visit the dentist for the first time, so we want to share some helpful tips.

Introduce the Dentist
Children do well when they have a reference to what they are going to be experiencing. There are multiple resources that you can use to explain the dentist. Many popular characters have books and videos about visiting the dentist. You can also visit our website to see images of Dr. Murphy and her team.

Schedule the Appointment Wisely
Be sure to schedule the appointment at a time that works best for your child. We recommend avoiding an appointment after a long day of school or daycare. It is also best to avoid meal times and nap time.

Get Excited
We know that we have many adult patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist. Be sure to remain positive and help your child get excited about their visit to the dentist. Role playing is a great way to show your child that you are comfortable with the dentist. We want to encourage children to understand that our office is a safe space and that we are here to help them.

We hope these tips help you with your child or loved one’s first dentist appointment. If you live in Bozeman, MT or the surrounding area, and you or a loved one needs a routine examination, please call our office to schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to see you and your young one soon!