A good first visit sets the tone for a lifetime of dental care. Here is when to book it, how to prepare your child and what will happen on the day.
When to book
Book your child’s first visit when their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday. Early visits are about getting used to the clinic, not about treatment.
How to prepare
- Choose a time of day when your child is usually rested and fed
- Read a picture book about visiting the dentist together
- Avoid words like “hurt” or “injection”; keep it positive
- Bring a favourite toy
What happens during the visit
For a young child, the dentist usually looks at the teeth while your child sits on your lap. We count the teeth, check the gums and look for early signs of decay. For older children we may clean and polish the teeth and apply fluoride varnish.
Questions to ask
It is a good time to ask about teething, thumb-sucking, dummies, brushing technique and how much toothpaste to use. For children under three, a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice is enough.
After the visit
Praise your child for being brave, whatever happened. Most children need a check-up every six months. You can learn more about our children’s dentistry service.
Pearl Bay Dental Clinic is a fictional demo business. This website is a test site and offers no real dental services.
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