Preparing Your Three-Year-Old for a Pediatric Dentistry Visit

Pediatric Dentistry Cape Girardeau, MO

Pediatric dentistry appointments are necessary as soon as a child begins to develop their baby teeth. Baby teeth typically erupt around the age of two or three, but this may vary depending on genetics, lifestyle factors and overall health. Generally speaking, teeth will start to show no later than age three. Once this happens, it is necessary to regularly take the child in for pediatric dentistry visits. These visits will include a gentle examination and a quick manual teeth cleaning. While the appointments are quick and simple, some parents may feel uneasy about their child's first appointment. Outlined below are a few tips that parents can utilize when preparing children for their first pediatric dentistry visit.

Tips for preparing a three-year-old child for their first dentist appointment

1. Visit the pediatric dentistry office beforehand

The best way to prepare a child for their first pediatric dentistry visit is to simply take them to the practice beforehand. Children adapt well when they are comfortable. Meeting the dentist and the staff prior to the first appointment can help both parents and children feel more comfortable during the first appointment. It can be helpful to introduce a child to the dental office before the appointment so that when it is time to return for their first pediatric dentistry appointment, they are familiar with the setting and know what to expect. 

2. Explain the steps

A simple way to prepare a three-year-old for their first pediatric dentistry visit is to explain the steps of the appointment. Typically, the first appointment will be very generalized with only a quick examination and a gentle hand-held toothbrush cleaning. More often than not, the three-year-old child will only have a couple of erupted teeth, which means there will not be a whole lot to do. Because of the ease of the procedure, it should be fairly easy for parents to explain the process beforehand.  

3. Address concerns, fears and anxieties

There will likely be concerns about a first-time pediatric dentistry visit, which is completely normal. Children often fear the unknown; when a child has never had a dental appointment before, it is an unknown. Addressing these concerns and going over fears and anxieties prior to the first visit can be helpful. Talking about their concerns can give children a chance to be open and parents the opportunity to combat concerns and offer reassurance. 

4. Take them to an adult appointment

Taking children to an adult dental appointment can be a good way to prepare them for their upcoming pediatric dentistry visit. The adult appointment will show the child that there is nothing to be afraid of. Demonstrations can be done so that the child knows what to expect from their appointment. 

Find out more today

When looking for further tips on preparing children for their first pediatric dentistry visit, it can be helpful to simply reach out to a dental professional. We can address any outstanding questions or concerns that you may have. Additionally, a meet and greet can be scheduled to help ease anxieties among both parents and children. Get in touch today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.pediatricdentistrysemo.com or call Jayne F. Scherrman JS Pediatric Dentistry at (573) 271-3062 for an appointment in our Cape Girardeau office. 

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentistry in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Related Posts

What Is The Best Time To Go To A Pediatric Dentistry?

The right time to schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment for your child can vary based on a variety of factors. Routine professional cleanings and checkups are an essential part of good oral health for patients of all ages, including babies and children. You may be surprised to find out just how early the American Dental…

Pediatric Dentistry: How To Avoid The Risk Of Future Cavities

Preventing cavities is an essential component of pediatric dentistry. Cavities are common in children, and catching them early is important. Avoiding them in the future is even more crucial as the child grows up. If you want to avoid the risk of future cavity formation, here are the details from a pediatric dentistry professional.Pediatric dentistry…

Visit A Pediatric Dentistry Office For A Children’s Dental Exam

A pediatric dentistry exam is necessary for evaluating and diagnosing your child. This type of dental exam should start at an early age. That way, your child can get used to the processes involved. If you want to know what to expect during a pediatric dentistry exam, here are the details.Getting the child and the…

Why A Pediatric Dentistry Is Best Equipped To Help Your Child

Routine professional dental care is important for people of all ages, including children. Visiting a pediatric dentistry office is the right choice for many families because of the numerous benefits it offers. While any type of regular professional dental care is good for your child's oral health, working with a pediatric dentist can be especially…